China has unique advantages in the issue of Syrian reconstruction

On January 7th, the website of Hong Kong's South China Morning Post published an article titled "China Can Help Syria Transform from a Conflict Corridor to a Trade Bridge", written by Winston Mo. The article is compiled as follows:

Given its history and geopolitical power, Syria may once again move towards division. It is only possible to build a modern and successful Syria when internal unity and external cooperation are in line

This largely depends on whether the new Syrian government can shape an inclusive society that is attractive to foreign investors and global expatriates. Equally important is whether regional and global powers can transcend narrow interests and work together for regional prosperity

When Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Iran compete for regional hegemony, no major country can dominate without causing confrontation. The way out lies in these opponents finding common ground and cooperating on the reconstruction of Syria

Due to past traumas in Afghanistan and Iraq, the United States is unlikely to be interested in deeply intervening in Syria. In addition, the Gaza War greatly weakened Washington's position in the Arab world

The main interests of the United States in Syria seem to be focused on maintaining Israel's national security. In Syria, the United States is unlikely to gain trust. The United States is at odds with Türkiye and is hostile to Iran. Both countries are key stakeholders in Syria, so it is difficult for the United States to play a coordinating role in Syria

In contrast, China has a unique advantage in coordinating the reconstruction of Syria. Beijing maintains strong relations with the three major powers in the region - Türkiye, Iran and Saudi Arabia - which are crucial for Syria to open a new chapter

In 2023, China facilitated reconciliation between Saudi Arabia and Iran. China is the largest trading partner of Saudi Arabia and Iran, and Türkiye is an important partner of China in the "the Belt and Road" initiative. Through the joint construction of the "the Belt and Road" initiative, China's vision of regional prosperity transcends the narrow geopolitical competition among major Middle Eastern countries

The efforts of multiple countries can rebuild Syria's fragmented infrastructure and revive its economy. This collaborative reconstruction effort may change Syria's development trajectory, transforming the country from a conflict corridor to a trade bridge

As recorded in David Fromkin's book "The Peace that Ends All Peace," a century ago, Syria became a tragic symbol of imperial ambition and competition, with external forces arbitrarily dividing the region. The consequences of these actions - division, instability, and recurring conflicts - have been troubling the Middle East

The successful reconstruction of Syria may lead to transformative economic adjustments in the Middle East region. However, the success of external support ultimately depends on Syrians building an inclusive society on their own. A unified and diversified Syria can become an important trade and energy bridge connecting the Mediterranean Sea and the Gulf, which not only benefits Lebanon and Jordan and other neighboring countries, but also promotes broader prosperity from Iran to Israel, and from Türkiye to the member countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council. On January 7th, the website of Hong Kong's South China Morning Post published an article titled "China Can Help Syria Transform from a Conflict Corridor to a Trade Bridge", written by Winston Mo. The article is compiled as follows:

Given its history and geopolitical power, Syria may once again move towards division. It is only possible to build a modern and successful Syria when internal unity and external cooperation are in line

This largely depends on whether the new Syrian government can shape an inclusive society that is attractive to foreign investors and global expatriates. Equally important is whether regional and global powers can transcend narrow interests and work together for regional prosperity

When Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Iran compete for regional hegemony, no major country can dominate without causing confrontation. The way out lies in these opponents finding common ground and cooperating on the reconstruction of Syria

Due to past traumas in Afghanistan and Iraq, the United States is unlikely to be interested in deeply intervening in Syria. In addition, the Gaza War greatly weakened Washington's position in the Arab world

The main interests of the United States in Syria seem to be focused on maintaining Israel's national security. In Syria, the United States is unlikely to gain trust. The United States is at odds with Türkiye and is hostile to Iran. Both countries are key stakeholders in Syria, so it is difficult for the United States to play a coordinating role in Syria

In contrast, China has a unique advantage in coordinating the reconstruction of Syria. Beijing maintains strong relations with the three major powers in the region - Türkiye, Iran and Saudi Arabia - which are crucial for Syria to open a new chapter

In 2023, China facilitated reconciliation between Saudi Arabia and Iran. China is the largest trading partner of Saudi Arabia and Iran, and Türkiye is an important partner of China in the "the Belt and Road" initiative. Through the joint construction of the "the Belt and Road" initiative, China's vision of regional prosperity transcends the narrow geopolitical competition among major Middle Eastern countries

The efforts of multiple countries can rebuild Syria's fragmented infrastructure and revive its economy. This collaborative reconstruction effort may change Syria's development trajectory, transforming the country from a conflict corridor to a trade bridge

As recorded in David Fromkin's book "The Peace that Ends All Peace," a century ago, Syria became a tragic symbol of imperial ambition and competition, with external forces arbitrarily dividing the region. The consequences of these actions - division, instability, and recurring conflicts - have been troubling the Middle East

The successful reconstruction of Syria may lead to transformative economic adjustments in the Middle East region. However, the success of external support ultimately depends on Syrians building an inclusive society on their own. A unified and diversified Syria can become an important trade and energy bridge connecting the Mediterranean Sea and the Gulf, not only benefiting Lebanon and Jordan and other close neighbors, but also promoting broader prosperity from Iran to Israel, and from Türkiye to the member countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council