China said Wednesday a UN human rights resolution condemning Syria's deadly eight-month crackdown on anti-government protestors was "counterproductive".

China was among 41 nations to abstain from voting on the resolution, which strongly condemns "continued grave and systematic human rights violations" by Syria that the United Nations estimates has left more than 3,500 dead.

"Using a resolution to pressure other countries is counterproductive to easing the situation," Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Liu Weimin told a regular press briefing.

"We always believe that constructive dialogue and cooperation is the only way to promote and protect human rights," Liu said.

Last month, China and Russia vetoed a UN Security Council resolution condemning the crackdown by Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, saying it would be used as an excuse to carry out regime change.

The double veto was both condemned and lamented in Western capitals, with the United States saying it was "outraged" and France bemoaning it as a "sad day" for Syria's people and the Security Council.

Days later, Beijing urged Damascus to speed up the implementation of reforms, veering away from its longstanding policy of non-interference in the country's affairs.

On Wednesday, it reiterated its call for both sides in Syria to halt violence and launch an inclusive political process.