The United States and NATO allies need China's support to get a possible peace agreement through the U.N.

CNN: Clinton calls Chinese president with apology

Amid an administration review of North Korea, Clinton also spoke to the foreign ministers of Japan, South Korea, China and Australia -- key allies working to disarm Pyongyang, the spokesman said.

CNN: Clinton starts working the phones to U.S. allies

The Western powers are pushing for tougher action while Damascus's allies, Russia and China, say Mr Annan's six-point peace plan, which the Syrian government has agreed to, is sufficient.

BBC: Syria violence still unacceptable, says Kofi Annan

China and Russia, also allies of Damascus, were among the nations to send delegates to the conference.

CNN: SHARE THIS

China and Russia, North Korea's closest allies, called for a resumption of the stalled multi-party talks on North Korea's nuclear programme.

BBC: UN 'deplores' North Korea botched rocket launch

The BBC's Barbara Plett at the UN says that, despite the scepticism, this is the first strategy for ending the conflict that has the backing of the entire Security Council, including Syria's allies Russia and China.

BBC: Syria authorities target children, says UN rights chief

But the Singaporean foreign minister said he foresees the situation affecting the small city-state's relationship with its various allies -- particularly with China and India.

CNN: Singapore sees India, China role growing

The Obama administration is seeking to significantly increase its diplomatic presence in Asia, as a number of U.S. allies in the region voice concerns about China's increasingly assertive positions on territorial, security and economic issues.

WSJ: Clinton Presses China to Do More to Restrain North Korea