Damascus – Syrian President Bashar Assad is set to embark on a visit to China this week for a bilateral summit with his Chinese counterpart, according to a statement released by the presidency in Damascus on Tuesday.
President Assad, accompanied by the Syrian First Lady Asmaa Assad and a senior delegation, will travel to China on Thursday to engage in a series of meetings in Beijing and Changzhou. The highlight of the visit will be a Syrian-Chinese summit between Presidents Assad and Xi, as stated in the official statement.
This visit marks President Assad’s return to China after his last visit in 2004 when he met with then-President Hu Jintao. It was a significant milestone, as it marked the first visit by a Syrian head of state to China since the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries in 1956.
China has remained a steadfast ally of Syria, along with Russia and Iran, even as other nations isolated Assad in response to his government’s brutal crackdown on anti-government demonstrations that began in 2011. Despite the international criticism, China has maintained its diplomatic relations with Syria, demonstrating its commitment to its long-standing partnership.
As a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, China has consistently utilized its veto power to block resolutions related to Syria. This includes several resolutions aimed at extending cross-border aid operations into areas outside the control of the Syrian government.
Assad’s visit to China comes at a time when he has seen a gradual return to the international diplomatic arena. This year, the Arab League reinstated Syria as a full-fledged member after over a decade of suspension, signaling a shift in regional dynamics. The move reflects efforts to reestablish ties and engage with Syria, recognizing the need for diplomatic channels to address the ongoing crisis in the country.
The upcoming bilateral summit between President Assad and President Xi in China underscores the deepening ties between the two nations. It presents an opportunity for both leaders to discuss bilateral cooperation, regional developments, and potential areas of collaboration.
As the visit takes place against the backdrop of Syria’s evolving diplomatic landscape, it signifies a step towards renewed international engagement for the Syrian government. It also highlights China’s role as a key player in the region, with the visit serving to strengthen the bonds between the two nations and pave the way for future collaboration.
The visit of President Assad to China holds significance in terms of diplomatic outreach and the potential for enhanced cooperation between the two countries. It remains to be seen how this visit will contribute to the ongoing efforts to address the challenges faced by Syria and foster stability in the region.
