What's happened
Syria's new Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani announced plans for a strategic partnership with China during a recent meeting in New York. This comes after the ousting of Bashar al-Assad, raising concerns for China regarding its ties with a government now associated with groups Beijing labels as terrorists.
What's behind the headline?
Strategic Dilemma for China
- Reputational Crisis: China is grappling with a reputational crisis as it seeks to engage with a Syrian government that includes members of groups it considers terrorist organizations, such as Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS).
- Counterterrorism Concerns: Beijing's primary concern revolves around Uygur militants who fought alongside HTS and now hold significant positions in Syria's military. This complicates China's counterterrorism strategy, as it fears these militants could pose a threat to its domestic security.
- Limited Leverage: The new Syrian authorities may not feel incentivized to cooperate with China on counterterrorism, given their historical opposition to the Assad regime, which China supported.
- Future Engagement: China's approach will likely involve a wait-and-see strategy, observing how the new Syrian government stabilizes and whether it can effectively manage the diverse factions within its ranks. This cautious engagement reflects China's broader strategy of maintaining ties with various governments amid political transitions.
What the papers say
The South China Morning Post highlights the complexities of China's relationship with Syria, noting that the new government includes members from groups Beijing labels as terrorists. Jesse Marks from the Stimson Centre emphasizes the delicate balance China must maintain in its counterterrorism efforts while engaging with the new Syrian authorities. Meanwhile, Kenneth Roth in The Guardian discusses the potential for justice in Syria post-Assad, indicating that the new government must address the legacy of the previous regime's atrocities. The New York Times reports on the easing of sanctions by Western nations, which could impact Syria's economic recovery under President Ahmed al-Sharaa, who is advocating for the lifting of sanctions to stabilize the country.
How we got here
Bashar al-Assad's regime was overthrown in December 2024 after years of civil war, leading to the establishment of a new government dominated by Islamist factions. China, a historical ally of Assad, now faces challenges in navigating its relationship with the new Syrian authorities.
Go deeper
- What are the implications of China's partnership with Syria?
- How does the new Syrian government plan to stabilize the country?
- What challenges does China face in its relationship with Syria?
Common question
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Why Did the UK Lift Sanctions on Syrian Ministries?
On April 24, 2025, the UK government made a significant decision to lift sanctions on several Syrian ministries, a move that follows the ousting of Bashar al-Assad. This action raises questions about the implications for Syria's future and the UK's role in supporting the new leadership. Below, we explore the reasons behind this decision and its potential impact.
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Why Did the UK Lift Sanctions on Syrian Ministries?
The recent decision by the UK government to lift sanctions on several Syrian ministries marks a significant shift in foreign policy following the ousting of Bashar al-Assad. This change raises important questions about the implications for Syria's new government and international relations. Here are some key questions and answers to help you understand this development.
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Why Did the UK Lift Sanctions on Syrian Ministries?
The recent decision by the UK government to lift sanctions on several Syrian ministries marks a significant shift in its foreign policy towards Syria. This move comes in the wake of the ousting of Bashar al-Assad and aims to support the new government led by President Ahmed al-Sharaa. But what does this mean for Syria's economy and international relations? Here are some common questions and answers regarding this pivotal change.
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What is China's Growing Influence in the Middle East?
China's increasing involvement in the Middle East, particularly its partnership with Syria, raises important questions about regional dynamics and international relations. As the new Syrian government emerges post-Assad, understanding China's role becomes crucial. Here are some common questions people have about this evolving situation.
More on these topics
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Bashar Hafez al-Assad is a Syrian politician who has been the President of Syria since 17 July 2000. In addition, he is commander-in-chief of the Syrian Armed Forces and Regional Secretary of the Arab Socialist Ba'ath Party's branch in Syria.
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Syria, officially the Syrian Arab Republic, is a country in Western Asia, bordering Lebanon to the southwest, the Mediterranean Sea to the west, Turkey to the north, Iraq to the east, Jordan to the south, and Israel to the southwest.
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The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, commonly known as the United Kingdom or Britain, is a sovereign country located off the northwestern coast of the European mainland.
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Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani (Arabic: أسعد حسن الشيباني, romanized: Asʿad Ḥasan al-Shaybānī) is a Syrian politician who serves as Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates in the Syrian transitional government since 21 December 2024 foll