China welcomes Syrian president Bashar al-Assad for summit
China welcomes Syrian president Bashar al-Assad for summit
Syrian president Bashar al-Assad arrived in China for a bilateral summit, marking his first visit since the civil war erupted in his country 12 years ago. Beijing sees this as an opportunity to increase its diplomatic influence in the Middle East, a region it heavily relies on for oil and gas imports. While the reconstruction of Syria is expected to be discussed, China has been hesitant to invest due to heavy sanctions and economic challenges at home.
China’s expanding influence in the Middle East
China has traditionally focused on trade partnerships in the Middle East, avoiding political involvement. However, it surprised many by brokering an agreement between Saudi Arabia and Iran, signaling President Xi’s desire to expand China’s influence in the region. This visit by Assad presents an opportunity for China to showcase itself as not only an economic juggernaut but also a diplomatic powerhouse. The US, traditionally the dominant foreign power in the Middle East, may face competition from China in the future.
The challenges of reconstruction and investment
While the topic of reconstruction is expected to be raised during Assad’s meeting with President Xi, China has been reluctant to invest in war-devastated Syria. The country is subject to heavy sanctions from western powers, and Chinese companies are also facing economic challenges domestically. The visit, therefore, serves more as a diplomatic move for China rather than a significant investment opportunity.
