International news is marked by an unexpected meeting between Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping. This visit marks a diplomatic turning point for Syria which seeks to strengthen its alliances in a context of post-war reconstruction.
China, by proposing a “strategic partnership” with Syria, shows its support for the Assad regime while strengthening its position in the Middle East. This is a real recognition of the Syrian government, isolated on the international scene since the start of the civil war in 2011.
This meeting is of particular importance for Bashar al-Assad, who is making his first visit to China in almost twenty years. This trip comes in a context where the Syrian president is seeking to consolidate his position and find financial support for the reconstruction of his country, hard hit by the war.
The Chinese president, for his part, is taking this opportunity to strengthen his influence in the Middle East. China is expanding its footprint in this strategic region, promoting its ambitious Silk Roads project, which aims to strengthen trade between Asia, Europe and Africa. Syria, by joining this project in 2022, hopes to benefit from significant economic benefits.
This meeting between the two presidents highlights the growing geopolitical issues in the Middle East. Alliances are being redefined, economic and political interests are making themselves felt more and more. China, by strengthening its ties with Syria, shows its desire to play a leading role in the region.
However, this collaboration between China and Syria also raises questions. China, by supporting the Assad regime in the UN Security Council, is criticized for its lack of stance on human rights violations in Syria. This alliance can also be seen as a challenge to the Western position regarding the Syrian conflict.
In conclusion, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s visit to China and the establishment of a “strategic partnership” with China mark a diplomatic turning point for Syria. This meeting highlights China’s geopolitical ambitions in the Middle East and the economic issues in the region. However, this alliance also raises questions about Chinese positions regarding human rights and the balance of geopolitical forces.