Chinese papers back Beijing's actions as defence of non-interference in internal affairs.

BBC: Chinese, Iranian press alone back UN Syria veto

State media quoted the ministry as praising "the firm Russian stance which is based on the UN principles of non-interference in internal affairs or the threat to use force against the safety of any state".

BBC: Syria conflict: US says Assad can have no post-war role

China's stance is consistent with its policy of non-interference in other countries' internal affairs.

ECONOMIST: Kenya and China

This would recognise that moral imperatives might sometimes override the principle of non-interference in a state's internal affairs.

ECONOMIST: Whichever way the wind blows | The