Xi And Assad Announce The Launching Of A China-Syria Strategic Partnership

Photo Credit: Xinhua

DW: China, Syria announce 'partnership' after Assad-Xi talks  

Chinese President Xi Jinping said Syria and China would pursue a "strategic partnership" after meeting with Bashar Assad. China has been a stalwart defender of Assad's regime, despite Western human rights criticism. 

Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Syrian President Bashar Assad on Friday, and announced the establishment of a "strategic partnership," according to a readout of the meeting by Chinese state broadcaster CCTV. 

Xi said the partnership "will become an important milestone in the history of bilateral relations," without providing any further details. 

Read more .... 

Xi And Assad Announce The Launching Of A China-Syria Strategic Partnership  

China and Syria announce 'strategic partnership' -- Middle East Eye  

Xi, Assad announce launch of China-Syria strategic partnership -- The Cradle  

Assad seeks Xi's help to end Syria's isolation -- DW  

China's Xi offers to help war-torn Syria rebuild, regain regional status -- Jerusalem Post 

China to help reconstruct war-battered Syria -- Al Jazeera

Syrian President Assad Is In China On His First Trip Since 2004

 

DNYUZ/New York Times: Syria's Leader Visits China in Search of Friends and Funds 

President Bashar al-Assad of Syria arrived in China on Thursday as he sought financial support to rebuild his country and to improve his international standing after being ostracized over atrocities committed during Syria’s ongoing civil war. 

His visit takes place as China seeks to present itself as a powerful influence in the Middle East, and a partner to nations that are shunned by the United States and the West. He is expected to meet with China’s top leader, Xi Jinping.  

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WNU Editor: China invited him. They even sent a passenger jet to pick him up. This is another sign on the importance of the Middle East to China's long term prosperity and security. 

 Syrian President Assad Is In China On His First Trip Since 2004  

Syrian President Bashar Assad is in China on his first visit since the beginning of war in Syria -- AP  

Syria's Assad in China, seeks exit from diplomatic isolation -- Reuters 

Syria's Assad visits China for first time since civil war -- DW 

Syria's Assad to Meet Xi on First China Trip Since 2004 -- Time  

Syria’s Assad to visit China in first trip since 2004 -- Al-Monitor

China To Be Invovled In The Reconstruction Of Syria

Participants attend the Astana Format talks at the International meeting on Syria, in Astana, Kazakhstan, November 23, 2022. /CFP  

CGTN: China's likely inclusion in Astana Format will spur Syria's reconstruction process 

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.  

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WNU editor: China's inclusion in the Astana Format is another huge sign that Beijing is becoming a major player in the Middle East. 

From my vantage point. It looks like Turkey, Russia, Iran, and now China are positioning themselves to squeeze the US out of Syria.

Besides Russia, Both China And Iran Want A Mediterranean Port In Syria

Newsweek: Russia Not Alone in Syria’s West, China and Iran Are Also Moving in Near Sea

Russia looks set to expand its presence on Syria's west coast, with rumors of an imminent signing of a near-quarter-century lease on a lucrative seaport, but other major players were also moving in on the war-torn Mediterranean country.

Russia's air and sea assets are already based in two leased military facilities in the coastal provinces of Tartus and Latakia, which have played a crucial role in helping the Syrian government retake large parts of the country seized by a 2011 rebel and jihadi uprising. Over the weekend, senior Moscow diplomats and defense officials traveled to Damascus to hold talks with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in hopes of advancing the formation of a constitutional committee that may end his country's eight-year civil war and kickstart economic cooperation intended to capitalize on its reconstruction.

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WNU Editor: I can understand China's interest. They want to build trade routes and Syria is ideally located. As for Iran, that relationship is complicated .... The Syrians Don’t and Won’t Toe the Iranian Line: Explaining a Most Curious Alliance (Kamal Alam, War On The Rocks), but it appears that Iran will get their port on the Mediterranean .... The Islamist threat pushes closer to Europe. (The Trumpet).

China Deploys Special Forces To Syria To Fight Chinese Islamists

Chinese Special Operations Forces (File Photo)

Middle East Eye: The Dragon and the Lion: China's growing ties with Syria

China has benefitted from the bickering between Russia, US and Turkey - emerging as a dominant player in Syria in terms of political and economic diplomacy

Last March, China quietly deployed troops to Syria. The soldiers, according to Chinese officials, trained members of the Syrian army, offering advice on medicine and logistics. Despite how little fanfare surrounded this move, it was, in fact, very significant: this is the first time China has sent troops to the Middle East for any reason other than to protect ongoing commercial projects.

The war in Syria has had a significant impact on global stability with grave implications for European security, the American presidential elections of 2016 and for Islamist non-state groups operating in Asian countries such as China, Philippines, Malaysia and even the secure city state of Singapore.

The effect of the war on China’s policy in the Middle East since 2014, particularly in Syria, has transformed it from one of caution to one of proaction.

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WNU Editor: According to the news website New Arab, these forces have been in Syria since the beginning of the year.

More News On China Deploying Special Forces To Syria To Fight Chinese Islamists

China Reportedly Sending Special Forces to Syria -- Financial Tribune
China to deploy 'Night Tigers' to Syria in support of Assad's forces -- New Arab
China To Deploy Elite Troops In Syria To Fight Alongside Assad's Army -- Zero Hedge
China to deploy troops to fight alongside Assad in Syria -- Middle East Monitor

Syria Is Hoping That China Will Help To Rebuild The Country Once The War Is Over

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi (R) holds talks with Syrian deputy prime minister and foreign minister Walid al-Moallem in Beijing, capital of China, Dec. 24, 2015 (Xinhua/Ding Haitao)

SCMP: Syria courts China for rebuilding push after fall of Islamic State’s strongholds

Ambassador to Beijing says Assad regime open to oil-for-loan deals or yuan-denominated transactions as it seeks to lure businesses.

Syria is calling for China to help with the nation’s post-war reconstruction, its ambassador to Beijing has said, as the Syrian government consolidates its grip over the parts of the country it controls after the fall of Islamic State’s strongholds.

Ambassador Imad Moustapha said Syria had been trying to woo foreign investors to join its massive reconstruction efforts and would consider giving Chinese companies Syrian oil in return for loans. It would also consider settling transactions in yuan.

“We want countries like Russia, China, India and Iran to come and take part in the reconstruction,” he said.

“We are not going to welcome the countries that participated in the Syria war coming and saying we want to take part in the reconstruction,” the envoy said, referring to the United States and Turkey which backed some of the anti-government forces.

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WNU Editor: I have read many posts and comments over the past year predicting that China will be the major donor/investor to rebuild Syria. My Chinese friends are saying otherwise .... but if China will get involved (which I predict they will), it will only be a few years after the war is over.

There Are 5,000 Chinese Militants Fighting In Syria's Civil War

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi (R) holds talks with Syrian deputy prime minister and foreign minister Walid al-Moallem in Beijing, capital of China, Dec. 24, 2015 (Xinhua/Ding Haitao)

Ryan Pickrell, National Interest: Why are 5,000 Chinese Fighting in Syria's Civil War?


An estimated 5,000 Chinese militants are fighting alongside various insurgency groups in Syria, according to the Syrian ambassador to China.

“Our estimated numbers, because of the numbers we fight against, we kill, we capture, we wound, would be around 4-5,000 Xinjiang jihadists,” Imad Moustapha, the Syrian ambassador to China, told Reuters, “China as well as every other country should be extremely concerned.”

The combatants are reportedly Uighurs, members of a Muslim minority that primarily resides in Xinjiang Province. While some are fighting for the Islamic State, the majority are fighting “under their own banner” for a separatist cause. Located in Northwest China, Xinjiang is restless and prone to violence. Conflicts between the Uighurs and the Han majority are sometimes attributed to the Chinese government’s heavy-handed approach to regional tensions. The government, however, blames unrest on extremism and violent separatist movements, such as the East Turkistan Islamic Movement.

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WNU Editor: Many of these Uighur fighters will be returning to China one day .... and it is going to be a problem.

China Rejects The West's Accusations On Who Is Responsible For The Recent Chemical Attack In Syria

New China: China supports comprehensive, fair probe into use of chemicals as weapons in Syria: envoy

UNITED NATIONS, April 5 (Xinhua) -- China supports the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) and related UN entities in carrying out comprehensive, objective and fair investigations into uses of chemicals as weapons in Syria, said a Chinese envoy here on Wednesday.

Liu Jieyi, China's permanent representative to the UN, made the remarks at a Security Council emergency meeting on alleged chemical weapon attack in Syria.

It is reported that at least 70 people were killed, 200 others were wounded Tuesday in a gas attack in a rebel-held area in Syria's northwestern province of Idlib.

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WNU Editor: Syria should be brought up when President Trump meets President Xi when they start their summit at Mar-A-Lago .... but I am willing to bet that it will not.

What Does China Want In Syria

Rear Admiral Guan Youfei (C), director of the newly created Foreign Affairs Office of China's National Defence Ministry, speaks during annual working-level talks with South Korea at the Defence Ministry in Seoul on January 15, 2016. The official visited Syria in mid-August, to the chagrin of Western political analysts. © AFP 2016/ JUNG YEON-JE 

Sputnik: The Two Things China Really Wants in Syria

Earlier this month, Chinese Admiral Guan Youfei visited Syria. Few details were made available on the specifics of Beijing's cooperation agreement with the Syrian military, but the pact itself represents a landmark shift both in the military sense and from the perspective of international geopolitics, says French political analyst Thierry Meyssan.

In an informative analysis published in the independent geopolitical analysis website Voltairenet.org, Meyssan explained that while details of the Chinese-Syrian military cooperation agreement remain murky, Beijing's motivations for increasing its involvement in the conflict are not.

Rear Admiral Guan's visit to the war-torn country, conducted in his capacity as director of the newly created Office for International Military Cooperation under the powerful Central Military Commission of the Chinese Communist Party, took place as part of Beijing's broader efforts to establish military contacts with nations in the Middle East.

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Update: China ups military diplomacy game in Syria with Guan Youfei’s visit (Asia Times)

WNU Editor: If you can read French, Thierry Meyssan's is here. As to what is my take .... I have been saying the same thing for years .... China wants to be a major player on the global scene where its input and influence can be felt.... and these steps are just the beginning on what is essentially a multi-decade strategy to be one the world's super-powers.

China To Train Syrian Soldiers

(File photo)Chinese Defence Minister Chang Wanquan delivers a speech as he attends the 5th Moscow Conference on International Security (MCIS) in Moscow, Russia, April 27, 2016 (Reuters)

Ahram Online/AFP: Chinese military will train Syrian troops: Govt

China's military will provide training for Syrian armed forces, a spokesman for Beijing's defence ministry said Thursday, adding it would take place on Chinese soil.

Beijing is a longstanding backer of the Syrian government of Bashar al-Assad, which has engaged in a bloody war that has left more than 290,000 people dead and displaced millions since it began in 2011 with the brutal repression of anti-government demonstrations.

Last week senior Chinese military official Guan Youfei met with Syria's defence minister in Damascus and said he wanted closer military ties with the Syrian government, state media reported.

Read more ....

WNU Editor: Make no mistake about this Chinese involvement .... it is the first step to a bigger commitment.

More News On Reports That China Will Now Train Train Syrian Soldiers

Defense Ministry: China provides medical training for Syria -- CCTV
China playing ‘positive role’ in Syrian conflict, says military -- Irish Times
Chinese military will train Syrian troops -- Inquirer
China steps into the Syrian saga -- Asia Times

China To Provide Military Aid And Training To Syria

Soldiers of China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) © Damir Sagolj / Reuters

RT: China ‘to provide aid, enhance military training’ in Syria – top army official

Beijing and Damascus have agreed that the Chinese military will provide humanitarian aid to Syria, a high-ranking People's Liberation Army officer said, adding that the training of Syrian personnel by Chinese instructors has also been discussed.

Director of the Office for International Military Cooperation of China's Central Military Commission, Guan Youfei, arrived in Damascus on Tuesday for talks with Syrian Defense Minister Fahad Jassim al-Freij, Chinese Xinhua news agency reported.

During the negotiation, Guan noted China’s consistent diplomatic efforts to find a political solution to the Syrian crisis, adding that Beijing is now seeking closer military ties with Damascus.

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Update #1: China says seeks closer military ties with Syria (Reuters)
Update #2: Chinese military to provide ‘aid and training assistance’ to Syrian government (South China Morning Post)

WNU Editor: China may not be a major player in the Middle East right now .... but they are looking at the long term, and they is their first step (assisting Syria) to make this happen.

Hat tip RRH for this story.

Will China Enter The War Against The Islamic State In Syria?

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi (R) holds talks with Syrian deputy prime minister and foreign minister Walid al-Moallem in Beijing, capital of China, Dec. 24, 2015 (Xinhua/Ding Haitao)

Washington Times: China may enter war against Islamic State

China’s military may send troops to join the global conflict against Islamic State terrorists, according to defense officials.

Beijing is said to be concerned about the growing number of Chinese-origin terrorists who have joined the Islamic State, also known as ISIL and ISIS.

“The real question is whose side will they be on,” said one defense official familiar with internal discussion of the Chinese military role.

Rather than cooperating with the U.S.-led military coalition now operating against the Islamic State in Syria, Iraq and other locations, the Chinese military is more likely to join forces with Russia’s military, currently engaged in a large-scale bombing campaign in Syria.

Russian airstrikes in recent months have targeted Islamic State targets but also have included other rebels in Syria opposing the Syrian regime of President Bashar Assad.

Read more ....

Previous Post: Are Chinese Troops About To Intervene In Syria?

WNU Editor: The Chinese Foreign office has publicly come out and say that they are not aware of any reports of China becoming involved in the war against the Islamic State .... Beijing 'Unaware' of Reports on China Joining Anti-Daesh Campaign (Sputnik). But what is interesting about this report is that the Chinese FO spokesman is not denying it .... just saying that he is unaware of it. I suspect that the Chinese are now having an internal debate on getting involved .... but before making any public announcement they are examining the options that are available and what they can contribute, the consequences from such an involvement, the political support and/or opposition that they may receive (both internally and externally), and what time limit and/or exit strategy should be employed. President Xi is travelling to the Middle East at the end of this month. One of his stops is Iran, where I willing to wager that such an involvement will be brought up. As to when will China announce that they will join the anti-Islamic State coalition ... I give it to the end of February. If there is no announcement .... that will then tell me that they have decided to not get involved (for now).

More News On Reports That China May Enter The War Against The Islamic State In Syria

Beijing does not confirm China’s possible participation in military operation against IS -- TASS
China Could Join Russian Anti-Daesh Campaign in Syria - Reports -- Sputnik
China may join war against Islamic State: Report -- India TV

Are Chinese Troops About To Intervene In Syria?

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi (R) holds talks with Syrian deputy prime minister and foreign minister Walid al-Moallem in Beijing, capital of China, Dec. 24, 2015 (Xinhua/Ding Haitao)

AWD News: Obama’s “Worst Nightmare” Realized As Chinese Troops Flood Into Syria

In what a new Ministry of Defense (MoD) report circulating in the Kremlin today is describing as President Barack Obama’s “worst nightmare”, the Ministry of National Defense (MoND) of the People’s Republic of China has secured the permission of the Syria Arab Republic to begin “flooding” into the Levant War Zone up to 5,000 of its most elite military forces, and which will first include the feared Shenyang Military Region “Siberian Tiger” Special Forces and Lanzhou Military Region “Night Tiger” Special Forces Units.

According to this MoD report, this extraordinary move by China to enter into this war was authorized by China’s National People’s Congress (NPC) yesterday by their passing that country’s first anti-terrorism law making it legal for the People’s Liberation Army to take part in counter-terrorism missions abroad—and which fulfils the 30 November vow made to President Putin by Chinese President Xi Jinping that his nation would work to take on a broader role in the international war against terrorism and that China would be at Russia’s disposal to aid in global anti-terror efforts.

WNU Editor: China has always made it very clear that they want to participate in any discussions concerning Syria .... Sino Diplomacy Lesson: China Exerts Influence on Syrian Crisis (Sputnik). But in the past few weeks speculation has been growing that China may up its involvement in the Syrian crisis .... There has been a number of reports in the past few weeks that China may up its involvement in the Syrian conflict (Breitbart). But what caught my eye was this remark from Presidential hopeful Ben Carson .... Ben Carson: 'Some people in the CIA' told me that China was involved in Syria (Business Insider). But as to the question .... will China send troops into Syria? Personally .... I doubt it, but I will not be surprise if they do start assisting the Syrian regime with a small footprint, as they are doing right now in Iraq .... Chinese Drones For The Iraqi Military.

Hat Tip to Close Danger.

China Readies To Invest In A Post-Civil War Syria

Photo from Reuters

Shane Harris, Daily Beast: China Looks at Syria, Sees $$$

Most companies might be frightened by the prospect of doing a mega-deal with Damascus. Not the telecom giant Huawei.

Russia is betting its geopolitical future in the Middle East on a military intervention to prop up the regime of Bashar al-Assad. But one of the biggest companies from another rising power, China, is betting that when the long civil war in Syria is over, the country will be a good place to do business.

Huawei, one of China’s richest companies and the largest telecommunications equipment maker in the world, has signed an agreement with Syria to design a “national strategy for information and communication technology,” including the construction of a broadband network for Internet service, the company announced this month.

WNU Editor: What always amazes me about the Chinese is that it is always about the money and the importance of positioning oneself to make a buck (or two).

China Denies Sending Military Forces To Syria

Reuters: China says not planning to send military ships to Syria

China said on Wednesday it had no plans to send military ships to Syria to fight with Russian forces after reports in overseas media that it was planning to do so.

Chinese media has picked up Russian and Middle Eastern news reports that China would fight alongside Russia in Syria, and that China's sole aircraft carrier, the Liaoning, could participate too.

Chinese media has also described these reports as speculative nonsense.

Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying, when asked if China had or would send forces to Syria, told a daily news briefing that she had also noticed the reports.

"I can tell you that as for China's warships, for example the Liaoning, whether it has gone to join, for this issue, as far as I know, there is no such plan. At this time the Liaoning is in a phase of carrying out technical training and military exercises."

She did not elaborate.

Update: China Denies Sending Aircraft Carrier to Syria to Join Russian Forces -- Sputnik

WNU Editor: Aside from commenting that both U.S. and Russia are playing "a Cold War" game in Syria .... Top China paper says U.S., Russia playing Cold War game in Syria (Reuters), China's position on Syria has been reserved. They have committed to humanitarian aid .... China to extend humanitarian aid to Syria (CCTV), and when it comes to military aid in the Middle East they are  limiting themselves to only providing military drones to Iraq's military .... Iraqi Air Force has bought Chinese CH-4 drone (Want China Times). Will this change in the future .... probably ... but for the moment they are adopting a watch and see approach while giving a small nod towards Russia.

Update: This is a good analysis/summary on the current Chinese position on Syria .... China hovers on the outskirts of Syria military action (Want China Times).

Will China Join Russian Troops In Syria?

BBC

IBTimes: China's People's Liberation Army to join Russian troops in Syria to fight Isis?

After Russia sent in its elite military unit Spetsnaz to take out the Islamic State (Isis) terrorists, a report has now claimed that China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) is about to join forces in Syria.

Citing a well-placed Syrian official Express.co.uk reported that China will be joining the Russians in the coming weeks, while some other reports claimed that the Chinese have already joined the operation.

According to WND, even as the Russian vessels launched precision-guided cruise missiles on 7 October at rebel positions from the Caspian, a "Chinese naval vessel continued to loom menacingly in the background, maintaining its presence in the Mediterranean Sea amid Chinese denials that the People's Liberation Army will enter the Syrian conflict."

WNU Editor: A lot of talk in various blogs and social media on a possible Chinese military contribution to the Syrian regime .... but still no official word from China and Syria.

More News On Reports That China May Join Russian Troops In Syria

China preparing to ‘team up with Russia in Syria’: Report -- Asia Times
China: Warships On Route To Syria To Join New Alliance With Russia With The Goal To Bring Down ISIS -- HNGN
Chinese navy looms as Russia strikes Syrian rebels -- WND
Will China Join The Syrian War? -- Defense World

Are The Chinese About To Send Their Military To Syria?

Express: Putin's boost in battle against ISIS: China preparing to 'team up with Russia in Syria'

CHINA could be on the verge of teaming up with Russia to unleash its military might in Syria and destroy Islamic State (ISIS).

Russia has carried out a series of deadly airstrikes against the terrorist group over the last few days and Vladimir Putin has now sent the country's most elite special forces team into the war zone.

And speculation is heightening that offensive will be bolstered by the China's People's Liberation Army, following a number of reports of military movements in the region backed up by strong words from a senior government member at a United Nations meeting.

Reports emanating from the Middle East last week said China was planning on joining the fight against ISIS "in the coming weeks", according to a Syrian army official.

WNU Editor: I for one would be shocked if China sends troops or aircraft to Syria to get involved in the war .... even a small detachment. Their focus is on their economy and on the South China Sea right now .... not Syria.

More News On Reports That China May Become Involved In The Syrian Conflict

Russia in Syria: Chinese J-15 fighter jets to join Russian air campaign against Isis? -- IBTimes
Chinese navy looms as Russia strikes Syrian rebels -- WND
China's Main Mission: South China Sea, Not Syria -- Andrew S. Erickson, National Interest
US Media Wonders Why China 'So Ambiguous About Syria -- Sputnik
Are the Chinese coming to Syria? -- Dr. Theodore Karasik, Al Arabiya
Does China Approve of Russia’s Airstrikes in Syria? -- Shannon Tiezzi, The Diplomat

Syrian Officials Are Confirming Reports That China Will Be Deploying Military Personnel To Join Russian Forces In Syria

Chinese president Xi Jinping and Russia's president Vladimir Putin. CNN

Intrastar: Chinese Military Experts and Troop Deployment to Syria : Joint Russian-Chinese Development

The situation is heating up in Syria yet again. If reports coming from Almasdar News are accurate, another troop deployment will soon be about to take place – in addition to the 2,000 Russian troops who arrived earlier this week. This time, however, the troops are coming from China. Leith Fadel of Almasdar News (the Arab Source), reported that China has now decided to commit troops and military aircraft to Syria within the next six weeks. Although the reports have not been independently confirmed, the outlet cited a senior Syrian officer in the Syrian military for the claims regarding the Chinese plans. Fadel’s information has proven accurate many times in the past.

WNU Editor: I have yet to hear any official announcement of this deployment from either Syria or China .... and none of the major news wire services or agencies are reporting on it .... but in social media and in smaller news outlets a lot of people are talking about it.

More News On Reports That China Will Be Deploying Military Personnel To Syria

China Sending Military To Syria? – OpEd -- Eurasia Review/Mina
World View: Reports Claim China Heading To Syria, Supposedly To Join Russia -- Breitbart
Chinese Navy sets off for Syria -- Pravda
If Assad asks, China can deploy troops to Syria -- Times of Israel
Is China Sending Troops To Syria? -- Activist Post
Chinese Military Personnel Expected to Arrive in Syria -- Arab Source
Meanwhile, Russia and China May Be Joining Forces in Syria -- Daily Kos

Report: China Sending Military Personnel And Air Assets To Syria

Supporters of Syria's president wave Russian, Chinese and Syrian flags during a pro-regime rally in central Damascus. CNN

Zero Hedge: Chinese Military Personnel, "Aerial Assets" Allegedly En Route To Syria

On Wednesday evening, we suggested that Vladimir Putin’s explicit promise to go ahead with airstrikes against terrorist targets in Syria with or without the help of the US effectively marks the end of Washington’s years-old effort to destabilize and ultimately remove the Assad regime.

The Kremlin's pronouncement came just a day after the mainstream media began reporting that Moscow and Tehran are coordinating their efforts on the ground (something which should come as no surprise to anyone) meaning any Sunni extremists and/or CIA-trained “freedom fighters” intent on seizing control of the country will now need to go through Russia and Iran, with the latter now seemingly willing to make the badly kept secret of its military support for Assad no secret at all.

Update: Lebanese Radio: Chinese Military May Get Involved in Syria Alongside Russia, Iran -- Breaking Israeli News

WNU Editor: My Chinese contacts are telling me that Beijing is just mulling this deployment .... not committing to it. But if China is to get involved, it will be to target Chinese Uyghur terror groups in Syria. The following Times of Israel post has its own take on the China - Syria connection, and why would China get involved .... If Assad asks, China can deploy troops to Syria (Times of Israel).

As to what would happen if China becomes directly involved in the Syrian conflict .... I would then say that this literally changes everything .... not only in the Middle East, but on a geopolitical level everyone will take notice. A Russia - China - Iran military alliance that is involved in a conflict in the Middle East is something that no one has calculated or even contemplated in Washington, Europe, or anywhere else.

Hat Tip to RRH for the Zero Hedge link.