China has expressed grave concern over the deteriorating security situation in Syria following a surprise offensive by jihadist militants in the northwestern region. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian stated during a press briefing on Monday that Beijing, as a long-standing ally of Damascus, is ready to assist in efforts to stabilize the region and prevent further violence.
The Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) terrorist group, previously known as Jabhat al-Nusra, along with allied militias, launched a major assault last Wednesday on government-controlled territories across the Aleppo, Idlib, and Hama provinces. The attack resulted in the capture of multiple towns and villages.
In response, Syrian government forces, supported by Russian airstrikes, initiated a counteroffensive on Thursday. Over the weekend, several settlements were reclaimed, and hundreds of militants were reportedly neutralized, according to official sources. However, the Syrian military reported significant losses among its ranks amid intense fighting.
Lin emphasized China’s commitment to Syria’s sovereignty and stability, stating, “China is deeply concerned over the situation in northwestern Syria and supports efforts to uphold national security and stability. As Syria’s friend, China is willing to make an active effort to avoid further deterioration of the situation.”
The Chinese Embassy in Damascus has issued a security advisory for Chinese nationals residing in Syria, urging them to exercise caution and relocate to safer areas if possible.
China’s involvement in Syria has grown stronger in recent years, highlighted by the signing of a strategic partnership agreement between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in September. The agreement underscored cooperation in preserving international fairness and justice amidst global instability.
At the time, Xi reaffirmed Beijing’s support for Syria in opposing foreign interference and safeguarding its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
In addition to China, other nations, including Russia, Iran, Iraq, and Egypt, have voiced support for Syria in its fight against terrorism. Moscow condemned the HTS-led offensive as a blatant violation of Syria’s sovereignty and deployed its air force to bolster Syrian government forces. Tehran called for Islamic countries to unite in supporting Syria, attributing the escalation to interference by Israel and the United States.
As the situation evolves, the international community is closely watching developments in Syria, where the renewed conflict underscores the complexities of ongoing regional tensions and global power dynamics.
