China Urges Israel to Cease Illegal Attacks on Syria, Calls for End to Foreign Military Presence

United Nations, August 29, 2024 — China’s Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Geng Shuang, has called for an immediate halt to Israel’s military actions against Syria, labeling them as illegal. He also urged all foreign forces operating in the Arab country to end their military presence.

Geng made these remarks during a United Nations Security Council briefing on the ongoing situation in Syria. He underscored the need for the international community to respect Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, asserting that a stable political resolution in Syria hinges on the establishment of a secure and favorable environment.

“Achieving a stable political process in Syria is impossible without a conducive security environment,” Geng emphasized.

Beijing, Geng noted, stands firmly behind the Syrian government’s increased efforts to combat terrorism. He called on the international community to unite under international law and the relevant Security Council resolutions to tackle terrorist groups that continue to operate within Syria’s borders.

Geng also criticized the imposition of unilateral sanctions on Syria and the ongoing exploitation of the country’s resources, describing these actions as severe impediments to Syria’s economic recovery and social development.

“These measures must be stopped immediately,” Geng stated. “The illegal plundering of Syria’s resources and the sanctions imposed on the country have seriously undermined its ability to recover economically and to develop socially.”

Since the outbreak of foreign-backed militancy in Syria in March 2011, the country has faced a brutal conflict fueled by Western states and their regional allies. These external forces have supported various militant groups that have wreaked havoc across the nation.

Despite these challenges, the Syrian government, with support from allies such as Iran and Russia, has managed to regain control of the majority of the country’s territories. However, the northern regions remain under the control of militants and foreign occupation forces, posing an ongoing challenge to Syria’s stability and sovereignty.

China’s latest call reflects its broader stance on non-interference and respect for the sovereignty of nations, while also highlighting the global need to prioritize Syria’s recovery and the restoration of peace in the region.