中文
Syrian President Bashar al-Assad arrives in Hangzhou, capital city of east China's Zhejiang Province, September 21, 2023. [Photo/Xinhua]
By Masuda Khatun
Syria's President Bashar al-Assad is visiting China from September 21 for the first time since the start of the 12-year Syrian crisis, during which China has supported him. Assad is accompanied by a political and economic delegation to Beijing and Hangzhou for "a number of meetings and events," including the Asian Games opening ceremony in Hangzhou on September 23.
The timing of President Assad's visit coincides with a period of improved Sino-Syrian ties and growing political confidence. It shows that Syria and China are both eager to cooperate to advance friendly relations and support issues that touch their basic interests.
Chinese President Xi Jinping told President Assad in a 2021 phone call that China is willing to collaborate with Syria to promote human values and encourage communication across civilizations. Assad said Syria would back China on issues related to Xinjiang, Xizang, Hong Kong, Taiwan, human rights and the South China Sea. The conversation reflected better mutual understanding between the two sides.
Syria co-sponsored the UN General Assembly resolution that restored China's legitimate seat in the UN and was one of the first Arab nations to establish diplomatic relations with China. Since diplomatic ties began 67 years ago, China-Syria relations have survived world changes and strengthened bilateral friendship. Since then, solid bandaging has been practiced.
Bilateral relations have withstood the test of changes in the international situation, and the friendship between the two countries has grown stronger over these years. According to some observers of the Middle East, Bashar al-Assad's visit to China could aid Syria's rehabilitation and the sanctions-hit Arab economy. China has defended Syria's territorial integrity and many times used its veto power at the UN Security Council to prevent interventions in the Arab country's internal affairs. China is continuously aiding the Syrian people and government after the 2011 foreign-backed insurgency, especially in coping with illegal anti-Syria sanctions.
China has actively engaged in the Arab world as a friend and an economic partner. The cooperation with Astana Format countries will boost Syria's rebuilding. China has also contributed to the economic recovery of Iraq, with bilateral practical collaboration advancing the nation steadily. Additionally, it has a huge impact on Afghanistan's rebuilding efforts. These insights can be very useful in Syria. China ultimately plays a significant role in Syria's restoration. As an indication of its expanding influence in the region, Beijing helped broker an agreement between Saudi Arabia and Iran earlier this year.
Syrian President Bashar al-Assad arrives in Hangzhou, capital city of east China's Zhejiang Province, September 21, 2023. [Photo/Xinhua]
Syria signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on China-initiated Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) in 2022 to rebuild after the conflict, demonstrating its political faith in China. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi informed Syria's then-Foreign Minister Walid Muallem, who visited Beijing in 2019, that China "firmly supports Syria's economic reconstruction" and "combat terrorism." The BRI's trade, investment and infrastructure network along the Old Silk Road trade routes and beyond would assist in rebuilding Syria's weak infrastructure. Many countries profit from BRI.
By 2019, Chinese investment in Syria reached $135.7 billion, according to the Ministry of Commerce. In 2019, bilateral commerce reached $1.3 billion, up 33 percent. The trade ties need to be further for win-win cooperation. Syria and China could meet to explore ways to improve trade and economic relations despite a difficult history. Syria needs closer relationships, especially with China, to revive its economy. Strengthening these commercial relations may help mitigate the nation's woes.
Syria needs assistance from the world to strengthen international trade partnerships. China, the world's second-largest economy, is a perfect partner. Damascus might benefit from a strong trade partnership with Beijing despite protracted war and economic sanctions.
Beyond economics, there is a need for interpersonal engagement between the two nations. Scholarships for professional training in Syria are becoming more prevalent in China.
Syrian professionals might learn about global best practices, new technology, and advanced education in China via training scholarships. These trained people might return to Syria with significant information and experience, helping the country thrive. Such programs demonstrate the many advantages of international relationships beyond trade. Syria-China ties represent optimism and resilience in global commerce and relations. China is welcoming Syria's re-rise, seeing possibilities in such cooperation. These two countries' efforts may demonstrate how international collaboration can boost economic growth and prosperity.
Chinese travelers may flock to Syria as the country looks to China for a possible tourist rebound. Syria essentially needs China's humanitarian assistance because China goes above and beyond geostrategic interests.
Syrian officials are excited about the Asian Games in Hangzhou, China, this month. Syria's delegation is preparing for a historic participation in the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, spreading love, peace, and friendly competition to Asia and the world. The participation is especially significant because it takes place in China, where Syria's government and people have deep ties. China was one of the first to provide help, which has boosted Syrians' motivation to participate in this sporting event.
This Chinese COVID-19 assistance helped the Syrian health sector cope with this worldwide epidemic by bolstering the Syrian people's immune systems and helping with vaccination efforts. China promptly offered emergency humanitarian help to Syria after a big earthquake devastated southern Turkey near the Syrian border. China has supported Syria in tough times, showing that a friend in need is a friend indeed.
President Assad praised China's support for Syria and participation in regional matters including the Iranian-Saudi rapprochement. Assad said this in April while meeting with the Special Envoy of the Chinese Government on the Middle East Issue Zhai Jun.
China is friendlier and more trustworthy to all Middle Eastern nations. China has no regional adversaries, does not desire monopoly, does not limit cooperation with any nation, and does not take sides on regional matters. China as a natural member of the developing countries is always vocal in favor of Syria. Thus, China and Syria would stand together to deepen the bilateral partnership.
Masuda Khatun, a special commentator for CGTN, is an international affairs analyst and freelance columnist.
