New York Times: Assad is in China to gain its support in the reconstruction of Syria
The New York Times referred in its report to the visit of Syrian President Bashar al Assad to China, which is considered the first since 2004.
The visit focuses on searching for funding for the reconstruction of Syria after the devastation caused by the war, and on trying to break the international isolation that surrounded Syria.
In addition, Assad’s visit to China comes in the context of China’s efforts to enhance its influence and role in the Middle East, and as a partner for countries facing rejection from the United States and Western countries.
During his visit, Assad will meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping, and this visit comes within the framework of international efforts to rebuild Syria, as he hasn’t achieved progress in this regard due to Western sanctions imposed on Damascus.
It’s important that the visit provides Assad with an opportunity to cooperate with China in the areas of investment and reconstruction, especially since China won’t impose political conditions for contributing to the reconstruction of Syria, given its traditional support for Syria and its use of veto power in the Security Council.
In addition, China seeks to strengthen its presence in the region through its investments and expanding its influence, and considers the Syrian port of Latakia a strategic place that can serve these goals.
It’s worth noting that China faces challenges in the region that come from strong competition from the United States, and thus exploiting the visit to enhance its diplomatic role represents an important challenge.
