NATO's decision to deploy Patriot missile batteries in Turkey is "inconducive to peace, security and stability" in the region, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman said Wednesday.

"Highlighting military factors and strengthening the military's presence are inconducive to the resolution of contradictions and disputes," spokesman Hong Lei told reporters at a regular press conference, when asked to comment on the NATO decision.

"We have noticed the situation," Hong said, emphasizing that China has always insisted on a political resolution of tensions in the Syria issue through dialogue and consultation.

NATO on Tuesday approved member state Turkey's request for Patriot missiles to defend its border against Syria following a series of blunt warnings to Damascus not to use chemical weapons.

As the conflict approached the 21-month mark with more than 41,000 people killed, according to the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, NATO head Anders Fogh Rasmussen said the alliance's decision reflected a "steadfast commitment" to preserving the security of its 28 member states.

"We say to anyone who would want to attack Turkey: Don't even think about it," he remarked, announcing the decision after the first day of a two-day meeting in Brussels.

Germany, the Netherlands and the US have agreed to provide Patriot missile batteries, which would come under the command of the Supreme Allied Commander in Europe.

Stressing that the was purely defensive, Rasmussen said technical discussions would now follow about how many of the US-made Patriots would be deployed and where.

The NATO discussions came amid reports that Syria is moving chemical weapons as President al-Assad fights rebels seeking to oust him.

Xinhua - AFP