Syrian FM Visits Beijing, Pledges Stronger 'Counterterrorism' Cooperation with China

Syrian foreign minister visits Beijing and vows deeper security cooperation

Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani visited Beijing on Monday and pledged to deepen cooperation with China on 'counterterrorism' and security matters during his first trip to the Chinese capital since the fall of former President Bashar al-Assad in December 2024. Speaking after talks with Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi, al-Shaibani said Damascus would not allow Syrian territory to be used for actions targeting Chinese interests, according to the Syrian state news agency SANA.

Key agreements and Chinese expectations

Wang said Beijing expects Syria to take 'effective measures' to fulfill its commitments so as to remove 'security obstacles to the stable development of China-Syria relations', according to a statement from the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Both sides expressed interest in expanding cooperation on security, economic reconstruction and improving living standards, referencing the China-Arab Cooperation Forum as a platform for greater collaboration.

Uighur fighters and extradition claims

A likely item on al-Shaibani's agenda was the fate of Uighur fighters who traveled to Syria after the 2011 conflict began, many of whom joined the Uighur-led Turkistan Islamic Party (TIP) in Idlib province. Damascus rejected an AFP report that claimed the Syrian government planned to hand over 400 fighters to China in batches. A source at Syria's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates told SANA that 'the report regarding the Syrian government’s intention to hand over fighters to China is without foundation.'

Diplomatic positions and the Golan Heights

During the talks al-Shaibani reiterated Syria's support for the One China principle, confirming Damascus recognizes Beijing as the sole legal representative of China rather than Taiwan. Wang told reporters that China regards the Golan Heights as Syrian territory; Israel captured part of the Golan in 1967 and later annexed it in a move widely regarded as contrary to international law.

Context: Syria's diplomatic reset

The visit comes as Damascus seeks to rebuild international ties following the fall of the former government. Syrian officials have recently secured sanctions relief, attracted major Gulf investments and pursued renewed engagement with Western and regional partners. Earlier this month President Ahmed al-Sharaa became the first Syrian head of state to visit the White House since 1946, and Syria has joined a US-led coalition against ISIL. Al-Sharaa has also sought to 'restore and redefine' ties with Russia during meetings in Moscow, even as questions remain about the fate of Bashar al-Assad, who reportedly left for Russia after his government fell.

Note: This report synthesizes statements from SANA and the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs and refers to media reports and denials regarding potential extraditions. Key claims remain subject to official confirmation.