Although the pledged money falls short of the goal, the donor conference provides an opportunity to discuss whether a political solution can be brokered for Syria. Mariam Zaidi sat down for an exclusive interview with the Chinese Special Envoy for Syrian Issues, Ambassador Xie Xiaoyan.

MARIAM ZAIDI BRUSSELS "The Syria EU-UN joint conference has concluded in Brussels. Were the goals of the conference achieved? Did the conference gain the kind of pledges it was looking for?"

XIE XIAOYAN, AMBASSADOR CHINESE SPECIAL ENVOY ON SYRIAN ISSUE "I think this is probably one of the most complicated hotspot issues in my whole diplomatic life. It involves so many players – world powers and regional players, different opposition groups inside between the government and opposition. Considering all the complexities, there is no quick fix in my view. We need to be a little patient. We probably will see twists and turns, ups and downs, there won't be a breakthrough overnight."

MARIAM ZAIDI BRUSSELS "So how could China help facilitate talks?"

XIE XIAOYAN, AMBASSADOR CHINESE SPECIAL ENVOY ON SYRIAN ISSUE "Since November last year, China has invited both Government officials and opposition representatives to China. Our message is simple. They need to talk and they need to continue the political process because that is the only way out. Talking about the humanitarian issue, we have provided goods, cash and services – including the training of students. There could be a loss of a generation if we don't do something right now."

MARIAM ZAIDI BRUSSELS "Does China see a Syria that has a future?"

XIE XIAOYAN, AMBASSADOR CHINESE SPECIAL ENVOY ON SYRIAN ISSUE "We have to believe in a future for Syria. We have to keep the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of Syria if we want to have peace not only for the country but also for the Middle East and the world at large. And so we have to be confident but it's up to the Syrian people what kind of government they want. To write a new constitution, and to have elections at some later stage. Having said that, I also think the international community should also provide some assistance whenever and wherever they can."