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On September 22, 2023, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad arrived in Hangzhou on a Chinese government plane, and the two heads of state jointly announced the establishment of a strategic partnership, opening a new chapter in bilateral relations. This is Bashar's second visit to China in 19 years, and his first visit to Asia in more than a decade of civil war. Why does China attach so much importance to Syria? What is the meaning and consideration behind this?
First, China supports Syria in safeguarding national sovereignty and territorial integrity
Syria was one of the first Arab countries to establish diplomatic relations with New China. For a long time, the two countries have firmly supported each other on issues involving each other's core interests and major concerns, safeguarded the common interests of the two countries and developing countries, and safeguarded international fairness and justice.
Since 2011, with the intervention and instigation of Western and regional forces, a civil war has broken out in Syria, which has caused hundreds of thousands of deaths and millions of displaced people, posing a serious threat to national security and development.
In this crisis, China has always adhered to the principle of "Syrian-led and Syrian-owned" to promote a political settlement of the Syrian issue, opposed any foreign interference and unilateral sanctions, and supported Syria in safeguarding national independence, sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity.
China has repeatedly vetoed Western proposals aimed at overthrowing the Assad regime at the UN Security Council, preventing a political tragedy similar to Libya's. China has also actively participated in the promotion and mediation of several rounds of peace talks in Geneva and Astana, and played a constructive role in promoting dialogue and consultation among all parties in Syria.
Second, China has helped Syria solve its livelihood difficulties and carry out post-war reconstruction
In addition to supporting Syria politically, China is also helping Syria economically solve people's livelihood difficulties and carry out post-war reconstruction. More than a decade of civil war has devastated Syria's economy, destroyed infrastructure, lacked civilian resources, and suffered a serious humanitarian crisis.
According to the United Nations, 15.3 million Syrians will be in urgent need of humanitarian assistance in 2023. Faced with this situation, China has worked tirelessly to provide Syria with a large amount of material and financial assistance, including food, medical equipment, epidemic prevention supplies, vaccines, solar energy equipment, etc., with a total value of more than US$1.5 billion.
China has also provided free aid and preferential loans to Syria to support important projects such as the reconstruction of hydropower stations, hospitals and schools. China has also actively helped Syria resume agricultural production, increase imports of high-quality agricultural products from Syria, and create employment and income for Syria.
Third, China and Syria jointly build the Belt and Road Initiative and the Global Initiative
During Bashar's visit to China, the two heads of state witnessed the signing of a number of bilateral cooperation documents such as the joint construction of the "Belt and Road", economic development exchanges, and economic and technological cooperation. This shows that China and Syria have not only strengthened cooperation in the traditional political and economic fields, but also carried out strategic docking in new fields, injecting new vitality and impetus into bilateral relations.
Syria is an important node country on the ancient Silk Road and a strategic hub in the Middle East. The joint construction of the Belt and Road Initiative will help Syria better integrate into the regional and global economy and achieve sustainable development.
At the same time, China has also put forward a series of initiatives of global significance, such as the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative, aiming to help all countries achieve security and development through cooperation and share a peaceful and prosperous future. These initiatives are of great significance to the Middle East, which has long been plagued by conflict, external interference, uneven development and a "clash of civilizations".
By advancing these initiatives in the Middle East, China has made positive contributions to the realization of peaceful development, security and stability, inclusiveness and mutual learning among Middle Eastern countries, including Syria.
epilogue
In short, Bashar's visit to China is a historic event that marks that China-Syria relations have entered a new historical stage. The two heads of state announced the establishment of a strategic partnership, which will provide a higher level of guidance and guarantee for friendly cooperation between the two countries.
The two countries support each other politically, help each other economically, connect with each other in new fields, and coordinate with each other in international affairs, demonstrating the firm determination of the two countries to work together and move forward hand in hand.
The development of China-Syria relations is not only conducive to the well-being of the two peoples, but also to regional and world peace and stability. We believe that in the new historical period, China-Syria relations will continue to operate at a high level and make greater contributions to building a community with a shared future for mankind.
What is your opinion on China-Syria relations? You are welcome to leave a message in the comment area to share your thoughts~