As Russia is bogged down in Ukraine, China expands into Syria, this has ramifications for Israel operations in Syria. Will China demand Israel return the Golan Heights ? To note, Foreign Minister Wang Yi “The plight of the Palestinian people should not continue. China is ready to strengthen coordination with all parties to push the Palestinian question back to the priority of the international agenda”.

“We have indications that Chinese experts visited in recent months some Syrian military installations that were damaged heavily during the civil war,” one Israeli defense source said.

Syria will get cutting-edge communications equipment from China, announced at a ceremony on July 20 conducted in Damascus. Feng Biao, the ambassador of China to Syria, and Fadi Salti Al-Khalil, the head of Syria’s planning and international cooperation authority, signed the agreement.

Although the precise nature of the communication equipment to be delivered to Syria is unknown, it is believed it will modernize and close gaps in Syria’s armed forces communications networks.

There is grave concern this may only be the beginning of Chinese support for Syria’s effort to rebuild its military’s armed capabilities.

Israeli actions in Syria may become more problematic if China tries to sell any of its military hardware to Damascus. Chinese reconstruction would prohibit Israeli airstrikes in various areas in Syria, which Iran would take advantage of.

Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi, currently in the country, stated that Beijing had presented a four-point solution to the Syrian problem.

The suggestion was expanded upon by the top Chinese diplomat when he met with his Syrian counterpart Faisal Mekdad in the Syrian capital of Damascus.

Wang stated, “the UN Security Council’s “Syrian-led, Syrian-owned” principle must be put into practice to resolve the Syrian issue fully”. He continued by saying that all relevant parties should work together to effectively pursue a thorough resolution of the Syrian issue. In this regard, the Chinese foreign minister said, China has put forward a four-point proposal.

Firstly, Syria’s national sovereignty and territorial integrity should be respected. China calls for respecting the choice by the Syrian people, abandoning the illusion of a regime change, and letting the Syrian people independently determine the future and destiny of their country.

China firmly supports Syria in independently exploring a development path and safeguarding national unity and dignity, Wang said.

Second, the process of rehabilitation accelerated, and the needs of the Syrian people should be given first priority. Beijing’s opinion is a quick easing of all unilateral sanctions and the economic embargo imposed on Syria is the immediate solution to the humanitarian catastrophe there.

According to Wang, the international community should support Syria per its national sovereignty after consulting with the Syrian government. Additionally, cross-border humanitarian aid should be increased, cross-border rescue operations should be more transparent, and Syria’s territorial integrity should be safeguarded.

Third, it is essential to take a firm stance in efficiently combating terrorism. According to Beijing, double standards should be avoided, and harsh punishment should be meted out to all terrorist organizations named by the UN Security Council.

Wang said it is essential to respect the Syrian government’s leadership in the battle against terrorism on its soil, resist plans to incite ethnic conflict in the name of fighting terrorism, and recognize Syria’s sacrifice and contribution to the anti-terrorist effort.

He declared that China would back Syria’s anti-terror stance and work with Syria to strengthen international anti-terror cooperation.

Fourth, it is crucial to encourage a comprehensive and conciliatory political solution to the Syrian problem. China urges moving forward with a Syrian-led political solution to the conflict, bridging disagreements between all Syrian factions via consultation and negotiation, and establishing a solid political framework for Syria’s long-term stability, growth, and regeneration.

According to Wang, the international community should support the UN in its capacity as the primary mediator and offer constructive help to Syria in this area.

Mekdad stated that Syria is eager further to improve its collaboration with China on the Syrian issue and that Syria agrees with China’s four-point proposal.

The Syrian envoy also expressed the hope that China will play a more prominent role in resolving the Syrian crisis and other international affairs. China is a significant member of the world community and has consistently supported justice.

Palestinian Question

On July 15, 2022, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi held a video meeting with Syrian Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad.

Wang Yi said, China is ready to work with Syria to follow through on the important consensus reached by the two heads of state, and promote the sustained, steady and sound development of China-Syria relations. 

Wang Yi stressed, the Palestinian question is the core of the Middle East issue and should not be forgotten by the international community, let alone be marginalized. The plight of the Palestinian people should not continue. China is ready to strengthen coordination with all parties to push the Palestinian question back to the priority of the international agenda.

China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) Syria,

Syria, recently joined China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI),  reflects China’s expasion in the Middle East.

Through BRI, China has been investing in and building infrastructure on several continents to realize its vision of land and sea trade routes linking Asia to the rest of the world.

By staking its claim in Syria, Beijing can increase its influence in the Middle East, realize its goal of reestablishing its ancient Silk Road trade route and perhaps gain additional energy sources.

The agreement between China and Syria, finalized January 12 in a ceremony in Damascus, “would help Syrian President Bashar Assad to break out of its diplomatic isolation. It would help Assad get more investments, said Ibrahim Al-Assil, senior fellow at the Middle East Institute.