The Syrian and Chinese foreign ministries issued a joint statement on Monday, 17 November, following a meeting between Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani, as part of the latter’s visit to China.
According to the statement, published by both foreign ministries, the talks between the two sides were “constructive” and included an exchange of views on bilateral relations and issues of common concern.
The two sides stressed the importance of friendship between the two countries and their peoples, affirming their commitment to preserving and developing it in a way that serves their interests, while respecting sovereignty and non-interference in each other’s internal affairs, and continuing consultations within international organizations and forums.
The statement noted the two sides’ readiness to strengthen cooperation in economic and development fields and in Syria’s reconstruction, as well as in capacity building and improving the living standards of Syrian citizens. It also underlined the commitment to combating terrorism in all its forms and enhancing security coordination between the two countries, in addition to the importance of the China – Arab States Cooperation Forum in supporting cooperation between China and Arab countries.
According to the statement, the Syrian side reiterated its support for the “One China” principle and its recognition of the sovereignty of the Chinese government, including its rejection of any interference in China’s internal affairs, and its support for the Chinese government’s efforts to achieve national reunification.
The Syrian side also expressed its appreciation for China’s various initiatives, including the Global Development Initiative and the Belt and Road Initiative, while affirming its desire to participate actively in them and stressing that Syrian territory will not be used for any activities that threaten China’s security or interests.
China, for its part, affirmed its full respect for Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and its recognition of the Syrian government as the legitimate representative of the Syrian people, while supporting an internally led political process under Syrian leadership.
The Chinese side praised Syria’s efforts in combating drugs, strengthening the rule of law, combating terrorism, and protecting citizens’ rights without discrimination. It confirmed its support for Syria’s development path in line with its national circumstances, while stressing that the international community recognizes the Golan as occupied Syrian land.
Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani said on his account on X that the visit of the Syrian delegation to China is an important step in advancing the partnership between the two countries, adding that the talks were constructive and opened broad horizons to support reconstruction efforts in Syria.
Al-Shibani added, “We appreciate the steadfast positions of the People’s Republic of China in supporting the unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of the Syrian Arab Republic.”
Syria-related stance at the Security Council
China abstained from voting on a draft resolution submitted to the UN Security Council to remove the name of Syria’s transitional president, Ahmad al-Sharaa, from sanctions lists, justifying its position by saying that the resolution did not meet the principles and considerations it deems necessary for achieving stability in Syria and combating terrorism.
China’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Fu Cong, said in his statement to the Security Council on 6 November that China’s position on sanctions has been “clear from the outset”, and that any amendment to the sanctions regime must take into account “the security situation in Syria, counterterrorism, the complex impacts that any change may entail, as well as the long term interests and the actual needs of the Syrian people”.
Fu Cong added that the latest draft resolution “did not embody these principles”, which led China to abstain from voting, despite its active participation in the consultations on the resolution and, together with several member states, putting forward “constructive proposals” on issues related to counterterrorism and foreign fighters.
A diplomatic source told Al Jazeera Net on 6 November that China had submitted amendments also proposing reference to foreign fighters in the text of the draft resolution.
The Chinese envoy said that Syria must fulfill its obligations in the framework of counterterrorism and take decisive measures to confront terrorist acts and the threat posed by foreign fighters, including members of the “East Turkestan Islamic Movement” (ETIM) present on Syrian territory, who are mostly from China’s Uyghur minority.