Introduction One should note that Chinese policymakers and
scholars do not prefer to refer to the region as the A SOCIALIST MARKET ECONOMY HAS "Middle East." Rather they prefer to call it "West Asia helped China become the second-largest economy and North Africa" or WENA (Hachem, 2004:17). in the world in recent decades, thanks to reform Major nations in the region are engaged in fierce and openness policies and the implementation of
a market economy. China’s economic and political international competition for many reasons. More
renaissance has become an attractive topic for than three-quarters of the world’s population lives
many scholars specializing in international issues. in Asia, Africa, and Europe, which turns the WENA
Accordingly, there is a growing number of China region into the center of political, economic, and
observers who notice that China is going global social interests at both the local and global levels
to the extent that its renaissance affects the entire (Amine, 2004:15-20).
world. China’s relations with the Middle East are The Caspian Sea, the Black Sea, the Mediterranean
taking on a greater global significance in this Sea, the Red Sea, the Arabian Gulf, and the Indian
environment. Worthy of special emphasis here is Ocean are all located within or close to the region.
Syria’s strategic position in the region, which is also In addition to the Nile, Tigris, Euphrates, and
part of China’s larger Mideast strategy in the long Jordan Rivers, it has other smaller rivers and
term. waterways, most of which can be navigated.
Syria’s geographical position connects the continents of Asia, Europe and Africa in the World Land-Bridge. (Schiller Institute, 2016Schiller Institute (2016). The source article does not provide a separate full bibliographic entry for this citation.)
For example, the Suez Canal, the Bosphorus and has created favorable conditions for divisions and
the Dardanelles straits, the Bab al-Mandab, and rivalries that go well beyond regional borders on
the Strait of Hormuz are vital ports for regional an international scale never before seen. On one
and international trade, further increasing the side, the so-called Syrian political and military
importance of this region (Taher, 1998: 17-20). opposition, with assistance from regional and
When war breaks out, the area’s breadth and international powers, formed an axis. The other
depth make it ideal for the establishment of side includes the Syrian government, Iran, and
military bases that can withstand conventional and Hezbollah in Lebanon, with Russia and China
unconventional attacks alike. Natural, mineral, and on the international level. Given the strategic
energy resources also abound in this Mediterranean importance of the WENA region and Syria’s place
region. As a result, the Middle East’s geopolitical in it, this paper discusses Sino-Syrian relations and
qualities made it a point of strategic convergence explores the Chinese position on the Syrian crisis,
and a battleground for major world powers. With the Belt and Road Initiative in the region, and
its Mediterranean location, China sees Syria as a Chinese progress in the WENA region.
gateway for its European commodities, especially The study draws on the inductive and
those manufactured in Syria and delivered through comparative approach of the realist school of
the ports of Latakia and Tartus, both located in the thought in international relations, looking at the
Eastern basin of the Mediterranean. world as it is rather than through the prism of the
Since the end of the Cold War, the Syrian crisis rules that govern it. This framework addresses
the following research questions: What is the splinter or destroy the Syrian army, which is
geostrategic importance of Syria? What is Syria’s perhaps the greatest achievement (Zreik, 2022Zreik (2022). The source article does not provide a separate full bibliographic entry for this citation.).
strategic place in Chinese foreign policy? How Syria has been elevated from this crisis to the
have Chinese-Syrian relations developed in light status of a geostrategic player endowed with an
of the current developments in the region? equally strategic position.
Syria’s strategic importance can be The Geostrategic Importance of Syria summarized as follows: Syria is the hub of all
Foreign policy, according to Napoleon regional balancing of power in the region. Syria
Bonaparte, is a matter of geography. In stops regional powers from accessing the depths
international relations, similarly, geostrategic of the Arabian Peninsula from the eastern
factors are one of the most important factors in a Mediterranean. At the same time, Syria serves
country’s foreign policy. International relations as Lebanon’s geographic buffer. According to
are preoccupied with the state’s relationship to Marshal Alexander de Seversky, geopolitical
its environment and physical space, and it seeks scientist and air force expert, this Arab region
to find solutions to all of the issues that arise (the Levant) connects the continents of Asia,
from these relationships. Africa, and Europe. It is critical to protecting
Africa and Europe from airborne threats (Gürcan, 2019b: 1-10Gürcan (2019a). The source article does not provide a separate full bibliographic entry for this citation.; Gürcan, 2020a: 65-80).
In 2011, a movement in Syria Syria’s geostrategic position as Asia’s
entryway to Europe makes it a significant part against the Assad regime of its natural surroundings. Syrian political and descended into a bloody proxy war. economic security has been bolstered by its Because of this protracted war, the favorable approach to China and Russia’s grand
world is facing the biggest refugee strategies as part of the Five Seas and the Silk
crisis since World War II. Road frameworks, as well as China’s strategy
to break the American blockade at the Strait of
Syria’s relevance extends beyond its Malacca. Bashar al-Assad’s opening up strategy
geographic location to include its role in the (infitah) aims to revitalize Syria’s economy
wider region. Syria is one of the most significant and improve its foreign and regional alliances.
countries in the Middle East because of its President al-Assad announced his "Four Seas
strategic importance. In 2011, a movement in Approach" in 2004 to establish Syria at the heart
Syria against the Assad regime descended into a of a regional energy and transportation network.
bloody proxy war. Because of this protracted war, Damascus gradually advocated his plan to make
the world is facing the biggest refugee crisis since Syria a commerce hub in the Mediterranean,
World War II and one of the worst humanitarian Black, Arabian, and Caspian seas. Later, the Red
situations in recent memory. About 11 million Sea was added. Before the foreign-orchestrated
Syrians have been internally and internationally war on Syria, the Syrian President propagated
displaced due to the conflict’s rapid escalation this ideology across the area and boosted Syria’s
(Gürcan, 2019aGürcan (2019a). The source article does not provide a separate full bibliographic entry for this citation.). The crisis has been unable to relations with numerous eastern countries: Iran,
A sign of the China-Egypt Suez Economic and Trade Cooperation Zone, located some 120 km to the east of Cairo near the Suez Canal, Egypt. (Xinhua Net, 2019Xinhua Net (2019). The source article does not provide a separate full bibliographic entry for this citation.)
China, and Russia. President Assad articulated persuading Syria to give in to their demands.
his broader goal in 2009: "Once the economic Iranian cooperation with the Lebanese,
space between Syria, Türkiye, Iraq, and Iran is Iraqi, and Palestinian resistance was used
connected, we’ll link the Mediterranean, the to undermine and disrupt U.S., Atlantic and
Caspian, the Black Sea, and the Gulf ". The Israeli policies.
goal was to create a network of commercial It is because of Syria’s unique geographical
trade, infrastructure, transportation networks, and strategic location that the Sumerians,
and pipeline projects (Abdullah & Arbache, Akkadians, Canaanites, and Phoenicians
2020/2021, Gürcan, 2019/2020). passed through this region. Throughout
Confirmed gas discoveries in Syria and its history, Syria’s political and economic
Lebanon and their surrounding waters sparked significance has been connected to its location
a global power battle over control of energy at the crossroads of three continents and
resources for the 21st century (Gürcan, 2020a: various cultures. Syria’s strategic location
65-80). made it an important transit point for trade
Nabucco Gas’s future rests on Syria’s role between the Middle East’s various countries
as a gas transit node, while the United States and a pivotal player in the Arab-Israeli conflict.
and other countries are fighting to free Europe With these geopolitical features, Syria
from the control of Russia’s Gazprom. The became a key player in the region’s economic
United States and the West did not succeed in and political interests, making it a polarizing
point for the aspirations of the regional and trade cooperation and another in 1965 to establish
international powers. This made Syria a focal cultural cooperation, which was the first of its kind
point for the sovereignty of regimes. The between the two countries (Zreik, 2021Zreik (2021). The source article does not provide a separate full bibliographic entry for this citation.).
conflict in Syria has had a great effect on the Relations between China and Syria improved
regional and global balance of power (Zreik, after Egypt signed the Camp David Treaty in 1978,
2020; Gürcan, 2020b: 331-50). making Syria a point of balance in the Middle East
not constrained by the decisions of the US. During Background on China-Syria Relations the 1980s, Syrian-Chinese ties increased due to their
Relations between China and Syria date back many shared perspective on the Iraqi-Iran war. China and
centuries. When the Silk Road was first established, Syria signed a long-term trade agreement in 1982,
Syria was a key link between China and the Arab replacing the one signed in 1963. After the Soviet
world because of its central location on three Union refused to provide Syria with medium-range
continents. China’s first line of defense in Central missile technology, Beijing expressed its willingness
Asia and the Caucasus has been Syria since 1949, to do so (Nabil, 2000Nabil (2000). The source article does not provide a separate full bibliographic entry for this citation.). With the help of Beijing in
and the country has also served as a bridge for 1985, the Syrian government was able to create
Russian oil to arrive in China while also serving as a missile factories in Aleppo and Hama and educate
transit country for most Iraqi oil from 1934 to 1982 Syrian professionals in using the weapons.
and Saudi oil from 1973 to 1982. Later, President In 1996, the two sides inked a slew of agreements,
Bashar al-Assad has proposed a five-seas project including one to promote and safeguard mutual
that ties with the Chinese Belt and Road initiative investment and another to give a ten-year loan of
(Abdullah & Arbache, 2020/2021). 100 million yuan for financing oil projects and
spinning mills in Hama. The Chinese government awarded a total of twenty million yuan in grants
Diplomatic relations between China in 1999 as non-refundable gifts. Trade between the
and Syria extend back to 1956, two countries grew rapidly, from 70 million dollars
when the two nations signed a Trade in 1989 to 150 million dollars in 2000 (Graf, 2018:
Promotion Agreement. 443-532).
Chinese officials opposed the idea of the United States and Western countries imposing sanctions on
Diplomatic relations between China and Syria other countries under the pretext of non-democracy
extend back to 1956, when the two nations signed or human rights violations, such as North Korea and
a Trade Promotion Agreement. This paved the way other countries in the Middle East, such as Iran, and
for Arab diplomatic contact with modern China. recently the US sanctions policy on Syria, which
However, relations between China and Syria were China rejected. In response to the United States’
hampered by the conflict between Beijing and embargo on Arab countries and Syria to purchase
Moscow (Lawrence, 2013Lawrence (2013). The source article does not provide a separate full bibliographic entry for this citation.). Despite Syria’s allegiance weapons in the mid-1990s, China supplied Syria
to the Soviet Union, China was eager to maintain with 150 surface anti-tank missiles, which helped to
political contact with the country and signed several strengthen military ties between the two countries
agreements with it, including one in 1963 to increase at the time.
A year over year graph on changing trade volume between China and Syria. (Trading Economics, 2022Trading Economics (2022). The source article does not provide a separate full bibliographic entry for this citation.)
Syrian President Bashar al-Assad made his crisis, which witnessed regional and global
first trip to China in 2004. Economic cooperation polarization that shattered traditional ideas,
between China and Syria was the primary such as unipolarity, to create a new map of
emphasis of this visit. There were contracts for international relations based on the superiority
oil and energy tankers, manufacturing facilities, of competing poles with different policies and
and foreign personnel in China’s interests in goals (Gürcan, 2019cGürcan (2019a). The source article does not provide a separate full bibliographic entry for this citation.).
Syria. Cooperation agreements between China Since the start of the "Arab Spring", China
and Syria were formed during this period in oil has expressed its displeasure with the rise of
and gas exploration, agricultural development, Islamic movements in Arab countries, fearing
health, medical sciences, tourism, education, and for the safety of China’s Muslim minorities,
culture. Syria received soft credit from China. particularly those in Xinjiang province, where
Oil and cement have been popular investments the United States incited and allocated a huge
for Chinese enterprises. Adra, a Syrian industrial budget for propaganda against China under the
city, was also built with Chinese help. The volume pretext of violating human rights (Zreik, 2021Zreik (2021). The source article does not provide a separate full bibliographic entry for this citation.).
of trade exchange between the two countries The fact that China took a different stance
grew to nine hundred million US dollars in 2005 on the Syrian situation than the United States
(Zreik, 2022Zreik (2022). The source article does not provide a separate full bibliographic entry for this citation.; Anderson, 2018Anderson (2018). The source article does not provide a separate full bibliographic entry for this citation.). is nothing new. Given China’s pragmatic
foreign policy regulated by the intersections China’s Position on the Syrian Crisis of ideology and interests, China’s political
A series of international events contributed orientations have always clashed with their
to creating the right conditions to change the US equivalents in recent times. Nevertheless,
structure and shape of the international system. China’s position on the Syrian crisis is unique
All these reasons converged on the Syrian because it has crossed the usual boundaries
of situational difference with the policies of against resolutions on Syria, China’s position
the United States in the Middle East and has on the conflict has been characterized by
reached the point of political confrontation. its opposition to external interventions
China is a new player, especially in light of the in general and military interventions in
escalating crises in the region that reflect these particular and the rejection of any measure
balances of power (Al-Husseini, 2015:41). in the Security Council that would open the
door to intervention. For the first time in veto history, the veto was used by China to block
In 2013, the Pentagon considered legislation against Syria. In addition, China
creating a "new country" that would has exercised its veto privilege six times in
span the Syrian-Iraqi border to shut off relation to Syria. Syria’s strategic value comes
the Silk Road. not from its natural resources but rather from
its geopolitical weight in terms of location and
With the US expanding its influence in Asia- its influential role in Middle Eastern affairs.
Pacific, China is working to respond in other As a result of the joint Russian-Chinese veto,
places, such as Syria, as a direct response to the Beijing believes that the Syrian situation may
US’ shifting strategy (Al-Sayyid, 2011:52). In be resolved (Zreik, 2019Zreik (2019). The source article does not provide a separate full bibliographic entry for this citation.).
addition to China accusing the United States
of violating its essential interests, either by Chinese Initiatives
providing US weaponry to Taiwan or backing to Resolve the Syrian Crisis
separatist organizations in Tibet, China
accepted the war in the Syrian crisis as part of For the first time in its modern history, China
the response, even without any direct military has given up its policy of not engaging in
intervention. crises outside of its immediate interests or
In 2013, the Pentagon considered creating geopolitical area. China’s embassy in Damascus
a "new country" that would span the Syrian- has remained operational despite Western
Iraqi border to shut off the Silk Road. China pressure to close it. A ceasefire was assumed on
changed its approach once ISIS took up April 10, 2012, as part of its initiative to resolve
this duty to avoid a run-in with the United the Syrian crisis in February 2012. As Ahmad &
States and stay out of the region’s crises. An Masaad (2012: 52) put it, the following points
industrial zone 120 kilometers from Cairo has describe the initiative:
been established as part of Beijing’s decision - The appointment of UN-Arab League
to change its route through Egypt (Meyssan, special envoy Kofi Annan to monitor the
2016). implementation of the political decision is
In the same way that Berlin witnessed welcomed by China. However, Beijing believes
the beginning of the Cold War between the that the United Nations or any other impartial
Soviet Union and the United States, Damascus organization should review the humanitarian
saw the beginning of a significant shift in situation in Syria under the conditions of
Chinese foreign policy. From its vetoes respecting Syria’s sovereignty.
Gas and oil pipelines around the region. (FracTracker, n.d.FracTracker (n.d.). The source article does not provide a separate full bibliographic entry for this citation.)
- It is imperative that the international States, Russia, and China in which they agreed
community recognize Syria’s sovereignty, unity, that it is up to the Syrian people alone to decide
and territorial integrity and that it "give the the fate of their president (UNHCR, 2011UNHCR (2011). The source article does not provide a separate full bibliographic entry for this citation.).
necessary aid and urge the various political The following are some of the most significant
forces in Syria to initiate discussion and respect provisions made by the Geneva Conference (1):
the results of that dialogue". As a result, Beijing - The establishment of a transitional
opposes armed intervention or pressure for administration consisting of representatives
regime change in Syria. from both the Syrian government and the
According to the United Nations Charter and opposition.
international norms, all United Nations Security - Holding a national discourse that includes
Council members must adhere to these rules. all segments of the Syrian population and leads
Geneva Conference (1) was convened on to establishing the Syrian regime’s constitutional
June 30, 2012, and the Working Group for Syria and legal framework and ensuring free and fair
(U.S.; China; Russia; France; UK; Türkiye; Arab elections.
League; and European Union) agreed on the New recommendations were made in
fundamentals of a transitional phase in Syria. November 2012 to Lakhdar Brahimi, the UN
The plan calls for a "shared agreement" to build and Arab League envoy, which included a phased
a "transitional government with full powers" but ceasefire and the formation of a transitional
leaves President Assad’s future in the air. A post- government, which China had previously
Assad period in Syria was viewed as a possibility proposed. It was on September 30 of the same
following a conference between the United year that China proposed a plan to end the
conflict in Syria through diplomacy while at the cooperation as contingent on world peace, it
same time cooperating to fight terrorism. has made diplomatic attempts to de-escalate
Even if the goal is to combat terrorist groups tensions and resolve international conflicts
in Syria, China has vehemently opposed any through a policy centered on a "zero problems"
military intervention. During the "Libyan approach to ties with the outside world (Sayegh,
revolution," when President Muammar Gaddafi 2012).
was in power, the Chinese vetoed two similar Governments in countries overwhelmed by
resolutions against Libya. Beijing felt that events have attempted to continue their trade
the Western engagement in Syria was not to ties with China. As a result, China believes
protect civilians, as claimed by the West and US that the fall of the Syrian regime will lead to
policymakers. the development of a new regime that is more
Western-friendly. Any Western engagement in Syria would also affect Iraq, a major oil supply for
Governments in countries China. While China is always seeking to cement
overwhelmed by events have three truths in its strategic vision for the Arab
area and world: guaranteeing its share of energy, attempted to continue their trade developing economic ties to ensure that it can ties with China. fulfill its rising needs, and its constant emphasis on solving problems through collaboration and
With China’s position on the Syrian issue dialogue (Ayoub, 2012:27).
and its use of its UN Security Council veto, the country’s determination to play a global
diplomatic and political role commensurate with Analysis of the Belt and Road Initiative
its rising economic and military capabilities was in the WENA Region
made clear. As China’s economic growth continues The economic, political, and cultural
to outpace that of the rest of the world, Beijing’s consequences of China’s Belt and Road Initiative
support for the Iran nuclear deal represents a have sparked much attention. As a historic trade
fundamental qualitative shift in Beijing’s vision of route that crossed three continents, the Silk Road
its diplomatic and political position in the global reminds us of the long-standing ties that have
arena. bound governments and peoples worldwide. The
With the United States’ efforts to destabilize activities and transactions that took place along
Arab countries, some believe that the US strategy the Silk Road are indicative of the emergence of
is preventing the flow of oil supplies to China. a new wave of globalization. Through centuries,
This is especially true because the United States’ trade and cultural contacts took place between
interest in the Middle East has decreased after it China, India, and many countries in the WENA
discovered vast quantities of oil in Canada and region.
Brazil and is seeking to replace oil in the future In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the
with alternate and subterranean energy sources. development of nation-states and imperial wars for
Since the Chinese government views economic regional and global hegemony halted globalization.
Head of Syria’s Planning and International Cooperation Commission Imad Sabouni shakes hands with Chinese Ambassador to Syria Feng Biao after signing an economic cooperation agreement in Damascus, Syria, on March 4, 2020. (Ammar Safarjalani/Xinhua, 2020Ammar Safarjalani/Xinhua (2020). The source article does not provide a separate full bibliographic entry for this citation.)
Technology, popular culture, free trade, and and confrontational. Economic protectionism,
population shifts in the late 20th century contributed barriers to free trade and foreign investment,
to globalization’s growth. With today’s surge of and border closures for newcomers and
huge energy resources, such as massive oil and immigration all contribute to a rise in anti-
gas deposits and renewable energy sources, globalization sentiments in the West. Ironically,
the Middle East is one of the most important many who advocated and led globalization in
centers of world trade, commerce, politics and the past, particularly in the West, are today
security. The Middle East has become one of celebrating populist isolationism.
the world’s most globalized regions due to The Belt and Road Initiative asks for a review
expanding trade volume, foreign investments, of trends that could significantly impact the
and the increasing number of people traveling international trading system and the global
worldwide. security architecture, including the geopolitical
If the Belt and Road Initiative succeeds and geo-economic landscape. However, there
in bringing countries and cultures together, are still numerous difficulties to overcome,
globalization will be a success. There are particularly in nations that have experienced
fewer barriers to economic interdependence years of political unrest and conflict. There is
as areas and countries grow increasingly great potential in the Middle East; many world
integrated and networked rather than isolated faiths have their roots in the Middle East, the
cradle of many civilizations and the birthplace their economies booming, and new riches
of many world religions. A wide range of being created.
civilizations, ethnic groupings, and sectarian The importance of political stability,
communities can be found in this region. excellent governance, economic integration,
and common security cannot be overstated. The effort presents a new opportunity for
There is a growing interdependence many countries to achieve their objectives but
between the globe’s economies, also has its share of challenges. By reviving the
politics, and security in a globalizing historic Silk Road through investments in rail
world. and maritime links, the idea emphasizes the
importance of a different form of globalization
The China-Central Asia-West Asia that includes countries in the North and South
Economic Corridor ends in the WENA region, from East to West. In order to connect the world
where countries like Iran and Türkiye lie along via a network of commerce routes, this path
its route (Fasulo & Talbot, 2017Fasulo & Talbot (2017). The source article does not provide a separate full bibliographic entry for this citation.). Economic requires political and economic support. The
growth in WENA is partly attributed to Belt and Road Initiative aims to help partner
increased trade and investment. Economic countries thrive economically and financially.
exchanges, expectations, and dreams for the With its investment and employment
region and beyond are generated by a young, development, the Belt and Road Initiative hopes
vibrant population, expanding wealth, and to help WENA’s economy grow. Political stability
investment opportunities. WENA’s vast oil and peace will become more important to all
and gas deposits, renewable energy sources, participating countries as the economy grows,
and rapid growth in trade and industry with the quality of life improves, and the chances
regional and global actors have made it a key for education, travel and employment improve.
hub for world trade, economics, politics, and Under these circumstances, governments and
security. citizens should prioritize political stability
There is a growing interdependence between and the prevention of violent conflict and
the globe’s economies, politics, and security terrorist acts. These are reasonable aspirations
in a globalizing world. This fact serves as a tempered by a sense of optimism. There will be
reminder that the Middle East and the rest of no investment in infrastructure unless there is
the globe are at risk if economic and political political stability and security for all citizens.
turmoil persists. Infrastructure investment will Investors, corporations, and governments are
be limited if there is a lack of political stability nevertheless hampered by political unrest and
and security; 60-65 % of the world’s proven security concerns.
oil and gas reserves are located in WENA and WENA has enormous potential and
its bordering regions (Abbasi, 2013:93-120). opportunity, but it also faces challenges
Industrial and economic progress hinges on a in regional upheavals and geopolitical
balance between energy use and security. These developments that could impede the
areas are bursting at the seams with people, implementation of Belt and Road projects.
Chinese Ambassador Li Baodong voted against the draft resolution calling for regime change in Syria. (China Daily, 2012China Daily (2012). The source article does not provide a separate full bibliographic entry for this citation.)
Ineffective governance and economic progress, advocates of freedom, brought order following
opposition to political reform and scorn for deadly social upheavals (Karakoç, 2015:172-199).
public ambitions are all obstacles that must be There has been an increase in the impact of
overcome. Problems such as these will impede non-state actors and terrorist organizations. In
cooperation and policy development in the this case, no effective action was taken by the
WENA region (Bölme, 2015:7-37). The safety international community, global powers, regional
of the area and the world must come first. The institutions, or international organizations.
U.S. invasion of Iraq in 2003 resulted in disorder Terrorist groups have enhanced their positions
and instability that persists today. Tunisia, Egypt, by recruiting militants, engaging in commercial
Libya, Yemen, and Syria were revolutionized by enterprises, and committing ethnic cleansing
the Arab Spring in 2010. (Sadiki, 2015Sadiki (2015). The source article does not provide a separate full bibliographic entry for this citation.). While the because of governments’ lack of interest in
political dialogue in Tunisia led to relative calm, finding solutions to oncoming crises. Conflicts
Egypt’s military coup, witnessed in silence by the in the region have left a trail of destruction, and
world’s superpowers and the West as the claimed the danger extends beyond the nations involved.
As the crisis in Syria escalates, a proxy war is of its objectives. The initiative’s greatest challenge
happening there, dispersing its people. ISIS has is to meet and maintain these preconditions
emerged in Syria due to the regime’s use of all (stability, common security, and cooperation).
available tools to quash dissent, which resulted The reopening of the historic Silk Road has
in war crimes against its people and the loss of aroused widespread interest and raised the
control of the country (Gürcan, 2019aGürcan (2019a). The source article does not provide a separate full bibliographic entry for this citation.). prospect of a new geopolitical order in the Middle
East. Development, security, conflict resolution, political stability and effective government all
To lay a solid foundation, the Belt and benefit from the new Silk Road.
Road Initiative and its partner countries To lay a solid foundation, the Belt and Road
must deal with political instability, Initiative and its partner countries must deal
forced migration, large numbers of with political instability, armed conflicts, forced
refugees, security threats, terrorist migration, large numbers of refugees, security
networks, a lack of good governance threats, terrorist organizations and networks,
a lack of good governance and legitimacy, and and legitimacy. radical ideologies. Many countries in the Middle East face serious threats to their national security.
About 15 million Syrians have been displaced The ramifications of ISIS in Syria and Iraq are
since the conflict began six years ago. Syrian widespread. It is imperative that the Belt and
refugees in Türkiye, Lebanon, and Jordan Road Initiative’s investors have a safe and stable
profoundly impact the countries’ economies, environment in which to operate (Keskin, 2016Keskin (2016). The source article does not provide a separate full bibliographic entry for this citation.).
societies, and political and social landscapes In this way, terrorist organizations and networks
(Ferris and Kirişçi, 2016Ferris and Kirişçi (2016). The source article does not provide a separate full bibliographic entry for this citation.). This is the most serious are given legitimacy, which they do not deserve.
humanitarian issue of the twenty-first century. As a result of the crisis, the Middle East would
The global impact was created due to inaction have been destabilized politically, economically,
by governments and international organizations. and militarily. For this initiative to succeed,
Türkiye, France, Belgium, the UK, Russia and terrorist organizations must be eliminated and
Iran have all been targeted by ISIS militants. No security established (Ataman, 2017Ataman (2017). The source article does not provide a separate full bibliographic entry for this citation.).
country can be considered secure until a political Syria: A Strategic Partner for China settlement in Syria and a regional security policy
are agreed upon. The unrest and ills afflicting the The great Chinese industrial and economic
Middle East must be addressed. renaissance can serve as a role model for
The new Silk Road will traverse through Syria and other developing countries. China’s
the Suez Canal, including numerous regional balanced position recognizes the interests of
actors, via the Middle Corridor and Sea Route. all parties and supports the state and people
Preconditions for full implementation include in Syria. Since President Xi Jinping announced
regional stability, peace, common security, the Belt and Road Initiative in 2013, Syria has
collaboration, and effective governance. Without shown interest in joining the initiative as a
it, a promising project may collapse and fall short member state (Zreik, 2021Zreik (2021). The source article does not provide a separate full bibliographic entry for this citation.).
China’s ancient Silk Road passed through exceeds $1 billion (Burton, Lyall & Pauley, 2021:
Syria, and in modern history, Syrian-Chinese 55-75). The Syrian market’s future seems bright,
diplomatic contacts have existed for more than but it still needs more projects and investments
60 years, and the two economies have been in the post-crisis era.
intertwined ever since. Economically, Adra’s The time has come for the Chinese to
free industrial city provided China with a enter Syria to invest in infrastructure, trade
huge potential to enter markets in WENA and cooperation and reconstruction rather than wait
Europe, which were previously out of reach for full political stability, as most of the country’s
(Nabil, 2000Nabil (2000). The source article does not provide a separate full bibliographic entry for this citation.). topography is stable and the situation is ready
for investment. Sanctions severely hamper several sectors of the Syrian economy, and
The time has come for the China’s investment in these sectors, particularly
Chinese to enter Syria to invest in in infrastructure and technology (notably
infrastructure, trade cooperation communications and financial systems), is
and reconstruction as most of the expected to be a game changer for the country
country’s topography is stable and (Zreik, 2019Zreik (2019). The source article does not provide a separate full bibliographic entry for this citation.).
Even before the crisis, Syria tried to emulate the situation is ready for investment. China’s development model while acknowledging ideological differences. Returning to this
The economic sanctions on Syria have approach after the war feels like an important
devastated its economy and social infrastructure necessity. The Syrian administration believes
after the war on Syria destroyed its national that the issue of Syrian refugees is being used
economy and resulted in significant losses in as a political tool by unfriendly countries.
GDP, human capital, and infrastructure. The Measures must be taken to achieve the desired
war’s minimum financial toll is expected to be result, such as moving to national reconciliation
around $500 billion and might top $1 trillion internally, and ensuring the needs of survival,
(Sun, 2012Sun (2012). The source article does not provide a separate full bibliographic entry for this citation.). such as housing and infrastructure, are in place
Since many Syrian regions have been before the refugees return home.
liberated and ISIS has been defeated in many There are many people fleeing terrorism,
areas, the Syrian government has announced so it’s important to work on updating the law
the beginning of the reconstruction phase, in to address their needs. These people come in
which China and the friendly countries that various forms and may face security or political
stood by Syria are invited to play an important issues. Refugees’ applications for asylum were
role, especially that the Syrian government exploited as a political tool by nations trying
adopts the policy of heading east. to influence the path of the Syrian civil war.
As a result of Syria’s dependence on China, Rebuilding trust and overcoming sensitivity
which accounts for more than 7 % of the and divisions can only be accomplished via
country’s total exports, commerce between open communication with refugees in countries
Syria and China has remained steady and now of asylum, who are being reached out to
learn about their needs and the injustices and the country can also be used. China has ended
violations they are subjected to. extreme poverty thanks to its decades-long
Syria hopes to learn from China’s experience reform and opening-up policies. The Chinese
rebuilding human capital through the Communist Party has drawn up an ambitious
Chinese model using the Chinese experience, plan to eliminate all of China’s impoverished by
such as the decision-making cycle, the 2021, the party’s 100th anniversary.
function of think tanks, universities and the
means of communication. Future academic Recommendations
collaborations between institutions could “A Chinese cultural center in Damascus should
benefit a more prosperous future. Many Syrian be established as soon as possible, and some
intellectuals have acquired a deeper knowledge graduates of the Arabic language department
of Chinese culture through the Confucius from China should be sent to Syria (in the
Institutes and Chinese media, which broadcasts form of exchange fellowships) to complete their
in Arabic to reach the largest segment of the higher studies and secure a job in the cultural
Arab people. This may be the way to compete center by teaching the Chinese language there.
with Western cultural expansion in Syria. The Intensification of undergraduate and graduate
Syrian government admires China’s experience scholarships for Syrian students to study in
in dealing with cultural diversity, its challenges, China, working with the Chinese government
and how it decided to handle them (Al-Husseini, to support Syrian universities in their efforts to
2015). teach Chinese, and translating some Chinese
For some situations, the Chinese model literary works to promote cultural ties between
should be applied to solve some problems and the Arab and Chinese nations. Moreover, there
avoid them from becoming long-term crises, is a strong need for developing a permanent
such as the issues of international terrorism, mechanism of inter-university cooperation
ethnic cleansing and sectarian conflicts that between China and Syria and sustained
Beijing has used modern technology to resolve. cooperation between research centers operating
For this reason, the Chinese government has in relevant areas.
also set up an educational center for backward
and impoverished citizens in rural areas to Conclusion
prevent terrorist attacks. (Ghiselli & Alsudairi, There is a misperception among Chinese citi- 2022). Additionally, the legislation must be zens and intellectuals about the current security disseminated, and the state’s official language situation in Syria, as they continue to view it as
must be taught to these people so they can find a region riven with wars, turmoil, and tensions
work more easily. and as a long-term and complex conflict. As a
A national strategy to tackle poverty could result, Chinese business people and companies
also draw on China’s grand development strategy, are wary of doing business in Syria. Western
which aims to bridge the eastern and western propaganda and US sanctions play an impor-
areas of the country (Meyssan, 2016Meyssan (2016). The source article does not provide a separate full bibliographic entry for this citation.). China’s tant role in keeping foreign investors away from
experience in developing the eastern part of Syria in the post-conflict era.
The Syrian government and the on the conflict in Syria is based on two
international community must work factors: the geostrategic position of Syria on
tirelessly to reconcile and end the bloody the Silk Road and its location in the middle
and ongoing conflict, and China wants to of the continents of the ancient world.
play a role because all Syrian parties accept From a Chinese point of view, the current
it as a neutral and friendly state. China is world order formed after the collapse of the
accepted by all Syrian parties (the people - Soviet Union and the United States losing
the government - the opposition), which is a its position as a sole global power little by
factor for Chinese diplomacy. little. Therefore, China will have a prominent
Political and security stability is indeed position in the world order that is forming.
necessary for economic cooperation and With its expanding economic and military
reconstruction, but this should not prohibit power, Beijing wants to play a role in global
the search for answers to challenges that diplomacy and politics.
may limit economic collaboration or In the late nineteenth and early twentieth
involvement in reconstruction. Promoting centuries, China suffered from foreign
and encouraging collaborative engagement interference, not to mention the sanctions
between Syrian and Chinese business imposed on it under the leadership of the
people is an important step toward solving United States during the Cold War. China’s
reconstruction-related issues like funding. opposition to any interference in the internal
With this in mind, the two nations should affairs of countries was, and still is, a
work together to develop a meaningful determinant of China’s foreign policy.
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