We have entered a new era, and the world pattern is unpredictable. North Korean leader Kim Jong-un had just concluded a visit to Russia, and shortly after he embarked on a special train back to his homeland, China began its own diplomatic maneuvers, albeit in different directions, but forming strategic synergy with Russia. This development has attracted the attention of the West, and the visit of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad to China has set off a diplomatic storm. Although this news may seem insignificant, there is a profound meaning behind it. After successfully mediating tensions between Saudi Arabia and Iran, China quickly launched a major move in Middle East diplomacy, and President Assad's visit and upcoming follow-up measures are bound to set off huge waves in the geopolitical landscape of the Middle East.
From a global strategic perspective, Assad's visit can be seen as a major strategic move by China and Russia to strategically break through the encirclement of the United States and its allies. It is well known that the United States has united a series of allies around the world to put pressure on Russia, while adopting a similar tactic against China in the Asia-Pacific region. In this context, China and Russia have closely coordinated and chosen different directions to break this containment.
First, China and Russia have strengthened cooperation in Northeast Asia. North Korean leader Kim Jong-un recently concluded a visit to Russia, and the two sides reached an agreement on comprehensive cooperation, mainly in the military, science and technology and food fields. This cooperation agreement provides security for North Korea, and China has clearly expressed its strong support for peace and stability in Northeast Asia and the Korean Peninsula. Although China did not directly participate in the Russian-DPRK talks, its firm position played a positive role in maintaining regional peace and stability.
In this direction, China, Russia and the DPRK have strengthened coordination at the strategic level to jointly respond to military provocations and threats from the United States, Japan and South Korea. One might question why China has not made it as clear as Russia has done that it supports North Korea militarily. The answer is simple, because China and North Korea have clearly stipulated the obligation to support each other in the China-DPRK Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation and Mutual Assistance. The treaty includes political and security elements, specifying that if one party is subjected to armed attack, the other party will immediately provide military and other assistance. The treaty is significant in China-North Korea relations and was reaffirmed by both sides in 2021 as it celebrated its 60th anniversary. Therefore, China does not need to make unnecessary declarations, but firmly fulfills its treaty obligations. At the same time, the former Soviet Union signed a similar treaty with North Korea, but with the collapse of the Soviet Union, this treaty has been abrogated, so there is a need to strengthen exchanges at the strategic level between Russia and North Korea to redefine military cooperation.
The other direction is the Middle East. Russia has always maintained an alliance with Syria and has troops stationed in Syria. Syria has been one of the most important strategic partners of the former Soviet Union and Russia in the Middle East, and the Russian Navy has an important naval base in the Syrian port of Tartus. Since the outbreak of unrest in Syria in 2011, Russia has provided substantial military assistance to the Syrian government and has personally participated in military operations, ensuring the stability of the Syrian government. However, under the current circumstances, the United States and its allies have taken advantage of Russia's military intervention in Ukraine to continuously carry out provocative actions in Syria, challenging Russia's position.
At this critical moment, China took the initiative to invite the Syrian president to visit and unequivocally supported Syria's safeguarding of sovereignty and territorial integrity. This firm statement of position has provided strong support for China, Russia and Syria to carry out cooperation in the Middle East, which will help restore peace and embark on the track of normal development in the region. Such cooperation will also help China's Belt and Road Initiative and Russia's Southbound strategy complement each other in the Middle East and further open up new strategic corridors to Africa, the Mediterranean and Europe.
It should be pointed out that before 2011, President Assad was hailed by Western countries as a good ruler of the Middle East and was highly regarded by Western media
and respected by politicians, it is regarded as a model for the Middle East. However, since the unrest in Syria in 2011, he has become what the West calls a "dictator and tyrant", a clear double standard that fully demonstrates the hypocrisy of the West in international affairs.
With the intervention of Western countries, Syria has fallen into turmoil. Saudi Arabia, Qatar and other Gulf countries have demanded that Assad step down, announced the recall of ambassadors to Syria, imposed sanctions on Syria, and even provided all-round support to the Syrian opposition, including financial and military assistance. The Arab League has also pushed Syria out of membership with the West. However, when China successfully mediated tensions between Saudi Arabia and Iran, the Arab League quickly agreed to Syria's rejoining its membership. The decision marks a major change in the geopolitical landscape in the Middle East, with the disintegration of strategic relations that were previously subject to U.S. manipulation.
President Bashar al-Assad's visit to China will further promote this change. China and Russia are active in both Northeast Asia and the Middle East, aiming to break the encirclement built by the United States and its allies and open new trade, energy and food supply routes. Only by opening up new markets and acquiring new sources of raw material can China and Russia more effectively break free from the blockade of the US camp.
All in all, under the current international situation, China and Russia have launched major diplomatic actions around the world to safeguard their own interests and stabilize the regional situation. President Assad's visit marks a major change in the geopolitical landscape of the Middle East, and the cooperation between China, Russia and Syria will help restore peace and stability in the region and provide new opportunities and challenges for the Middle East region and the world. This diplomatic move will have a far-reaching impact in the future and become an important node in international relations in the new era.