China, Partnering with 'Syria Massacres', Declares "Strategic Partnership"

Chinese President Xi Jinping is joining hands with Bashar al-Assad, the Syrian president known as the "butcher of Syria," to establish a strategic partnership between the two countries. This move is interpreted as an effort to expand influence in the Middle East in opposition to the United States.

According to footage of the China-Syria summit released by China Central Television (CCTV) on the 22nd, President Xi met with President al-Assad, who visited China to attend the opening ceremony of the 19th Asian Games.

President Xi said, "I welcome President al-Assad's visit to China to attend the opening ceremony of the Hangzhou Asian Games," and added, "I hope Syrian athletes achieve good results in this competition."

He continued, "Syria is one of the first Arab countries to establish diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China and one of the supporters that helped China gain legitimate status at the United Nations. Over the 67 years since establishing diplomatic ties, the relationship between our two countries has endured the trials of complex changes in the international situation, and the friendship between our nations has remained strong over many years."

[Image source= Xinhua News Agency]

He stated, "Today, we are jointly declaring the establishment of a strategic partnership between our two countries, which will be an important milestone in pioneering the future of our bilateral relations."

He also said, "In the face of an unstable and uncertain international situation, China wishes to firmly strengthen mutual support with Syria, promote friendly cooperation, and jointly uphold international fairness and justice."

President al-Assad arrived at Hangzhou Xiaoshan Airport the previous afternoon. Since the outbreak of the Syrian civil war triggered by the 2011 Arab Spring pro-democracy movement, al-Assad has been labeled a dictator who indiscriminately massacres rebels and civilians and has faced international sanctions.

Since the civil war, the countries he has visited are limited to five: Russia, Iran, the United Arab Emirates, Oman, and Saudi Arabia, reflecting his severe diplomatic isolation.

President Xi’s decision to join hands with al-Assad, who has become isolated on the international diplomatic stage, is interpreted as a full-scale response to U.S. pressure such as de-risking and an intention to expand influence in Syria and the Middle East region.

Since establishing diplomatic relations with Syria in 1956, China has maintained friendly relations with the al-Assad regime alongside Russia and Iran despite international boycotts. As a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, China has repeatedly blocked resolutions unfavorable to the al-Assad regime at the Security Council.