China is in a formidable position to contribute to the reconstruction of post-war Syria and improve the lives of its citizens and, as a corollary, to the sustainability of the peace process. /CFP
Editor's note: Abhishek G Bhaya is a senior journalist and international affairs commentator. The article reflects the author's opinions and not necessarily the views of CGTN.
A new momentum is building for China to play a more productive role in the Syrian reconciliation process and the reconstruction of the war-torn country through Beijing's participation in the Astana Format peace dialogue.
The Astana Format was initiated in 2017 by Russia, Turkey and Iran in a bid to restore peace and stability in Syria, ravaged by a civil war between President Bashar al-Assad's government and opposition-led protesters. Under the Astana Format, Russia, Turkey and Iran are the three key guarantors of the peace settlement between the Syrian government and opposition factions.
"China attaches importance to the Astana Format, and stands ready to work with all parties to jointly help Syria realize peace and stability," Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning told reporters at a press conference in Beijing on Thursday, noting that "the Astana Format has played a constructive role in coordinating efforts to deescalate the conflicts in Syria and bringing an end to the hostilities."
The remarks came amid reports that China's inclusion in the Syrian peace process was discussed at the recently held 19th round of Astana Format talks in the Kazakh capital, which was attended by delegations from Russia, Turkey and Iran, and official negotiators from the Syrian government and opposition. Observers from the United Nations, Jordan, Lebanon, and Iraq also attended.
Participants attend the Astana Format talks at the International meeting on Syria, in Astana, Kazakhstan, November 23, 2022. /CFP
At the conclusion of the latest round of talks on Wednesday, Russia's Special Presidential Representative for Syria Alexander Lavrentiev said Moscow is convinced that Beijing's involvement as an observer in the Astana Format would be valuable and is being seriously deliberated among the three key stakeholders, Russia's Tass news agency reported.
"This option was considered. We believe that China's participation in the Astana Format would be very useful," Lavrentiev said, noting that Beijing could provide "some assistance as part of the Syrian settlement, improve the lives of Syrian citizens and in reconstruction."
Lavrentiev revealed that on the Russian side's proposal for China's inclusion in the Syrian peace process under the Astana Format, "the Iranians agreed with this, while the Turkish side is considering it and has taken a pause before making a decision."
China, a dependable partner
Syria is in urgent need of rebuilding its national infrastructure and industry, which have been thoroughly destroyed following the decade-long civil war. The United Nations estimates of the cost of rebuilding the war-torn country range between $250-$400 billion.
It is clear that the Syrian government – which continues to be under a series of economic sanctions and restrictions imposed by the U.S., EU and other mostly Western countries – cannot afford such a massive undertaking and will need help from other non-Western international partners.
A Syrian boy sits near sheep in front of heavily damaged buildings in the northern Syrian city of Raqa, August 11, 2021. /CFP
This is where China – with its vast experience of successfully undertaking international infrastructure projects, construction and engineering resources, and the visionary policy of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) – emerges as a strong, and possibly, the most dependable partner in Syria's resettlement efforts.
Many analysts note that China is in a formidable position to contribute to the reconstruction of post-war Syria and improve the lives of its citizens and, as a corollary, to the sustainability of the peace process. According to the Chinese Ministry of Commerce, Chinese investment in Syria totaled $135.7 billion in 2019.
China has actively participated in Iraq's economic reconstruction, with bilateral, practical cooperation making steady progress in the country. It is also contributing significantly to the reconstruction efforts in Afghanistan. These experiences will be invaluable in Syria.
Damascus, which has maintained good relations with Beijing throughout its period of turmoil, recognizes the latter's abilities and has often stated that China, along with Russia and Iran, has a major role to play in the reconstruction of Syria.
The BRI advantage
In January this year, Syria joined China's BRI in a sign of further strengthening of cooperation between the two countries. The decision followed the visit of Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi's visit to Syria in July 2021 and a subsequent phone conversation between Chinese President Xi Jinping and President Assad in November 2021.
A booth featuring textile and beauty products from Syrian brand Dakka Kadima at the 5th China International Import Expo (CIIE), Shanghai, November 8, 2022. /CFP
Syria is rightfully assured that its participation in BRI would not only facilitate post-war reconstruction but also draw socio-economic development through the many opportunities that infrastructure projects open up for the Syrian youth. As the Chinese Ambassador to Damascus Feng Bao said, Syria's inclusion in BRI "provides the greatest contribution to the economic reconstruction and social development in Syria."
Syria's participation in the BRI will also open the Arab county to multilateral cooperation with other BRI member states, who are willing to seek pragmatic ties with Damascus. The BRI currently has over 145 members in its fold including 18 Arab countries.
Some Middle East watchers also see Syria's BRI admission as a move that will bring international political and economic support for the government in Damascus, which is also a stepping stone in bringing stability to the country. Syria's inclusion in BRI would undoubtedly help the Assad government to break out of its diplomatic isolation and attract more investments, two essential prerequisites for the return of normalcy.
A place for China in the Astana Format talks will help expedite the process of rebuilding the Syrian nation and elevating the lives of common Syrian people which would pave the way for sustainable peace between the warring sides. In the long run, this will fetch positive dividends in the form of enhanced regional and global security.
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