China Thwarts U.S. Efforts to Recognize Syria's Al-Sharaa Legitimacy - Anticipating Future Actions
China's position at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has come under scrutiny as the council considers potential sanctions relief for Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa. As a permanent member of the UNSC, China holds significant influence over sanctions on Syria and has not committed to supporting the lifting of sanctions against al-Sharaa.
The Chinese government's reluctance to ease sanctions is rooted in concerns about counterterrorism and internal stability. China insists that any support or sanction relief must be tied to Syria taking decisive actions to combat terrorism within its borders. Specifically, China has expressed grave concern about foreign terrorist fighters (FTFs), including Uyghur militants from the Eastern Turkistan Islamic Movement (ETIM), who reportedly have been integrated into the Syrian army.
China designates ETIM as a terrorist organization and opposes the integration of Uyghur militants affiliated with ETIM into Syria's military. The presence of these foreign fighters integrated into Syrian forces complicates Beijing’s stance and reduces its willingness to ease sanctions.
Syrian authorities appear hesitant to remove some radical elements that helped al-Sharaa's faction, as doing so risks fragmenting the current power base. However, a limited foreign exemption might be a potential compromise that would allow continued cooperation with the temporary government without escalating tensions.
This situation is viewed by analysts as a test of how power works in the world, especially between the US and China. Washington is considering asking for a special exception that would let al-Sharaa into the US for the UN General Assembly. The US move is intended to improve the reputation of Syria's temporary government in the eyes of other countries in return for political and security promises made to Washington.
Meanwhile, Syria's potential involvement in energy, trade, and building projects in the Middle East is significant for China. If Syria were to join the Belt and Road Initiative, it would be a significant development for China. Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa is expected to meet behind closed doors with world leaders, UN officials, and European ministers during his visit to New York for the UN General Assembly.
There has been political back and forth over whether al-Sharaa should be allowed to fully participate in the UN General Assembly, including speaking at the UN. China is strongly against the US's efforts to get the UN Security Council to pass a resolution lifting sanctions against al-Sharaa. The UN General Assembly is expected to be a test of power dynamics between the US and China, particularly with regard to al-Sharaa's participation.
In summary, China conditions lifting sanctions against Syria on effective counterterrorism actions, specifically targeting foreign fighters like the Uyghurs affiliated with ETIM embedded in Syria’s military. China has thus not endorsed sanction relief for Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa if these security concerns are unaddressed and is likely to resist moves that could empower destabilizing elements.
- The Chinese government's stance at the UNSC, regarding potential sanctions relief for Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa, is influenced by concerns about counterterrorism and internal stability, specifically the presence of foreign terrorist fighters in Syria's military.
- China opposes the integration of Uyghur militants affiliated with the Eastern Turkistan Islamic Movement (ETIM) into Syria's military, as China designates ETIM as a terrorist organization.
- The presence of these foreign fighters in Syria's military complicates China's position, reducing its willingness to ease sanctions against al-Sharaa.
- China's reluctance to ease sanctions against Syria is likely to resist moves that could empower destabilizing elements, as it conditions lifting sanctions on effective counterterrorism actions.
