The Apparent Chinese Paradox

Abstract

The chapter analyzes China’s role in Syria which marked Beijing’s involvement in Middle Eastern politics and more broadly in world affairs. The chapter analyzes this involvement from the perception of threat, namely the threat of Islamic groups getting emboldened at home. For a long time Beijing remained away from Middle Eastern conflicts, leaving them to the other permanent member states of the Security Council, namely the United States, Britain, France and Russia. However, China used its veto six times in the UN Security Council against resolutions condemning Bashar al-Assad. With the emergence of the Syrian crisis, China has been playing a more proactive role. The presence of Chinese fighters among the rank of the opposition is alarming for Chinese authorities. They fear that the emergence of an Islamic State replacing the Assad regime will buttress the Uyghur in Xijiang province. This chapter analyzes the PRC’s real motives and goals. For example, if China was neutral in the Syrian crisis, why did it repeatedly veto drafts condemning Bashar’s regime in the UNSC? Why did it provide weapons to the same regime? The Chinese position is often identified or linked to Russia. Do they have the same motives and objectives? This chapter explores these issues and sheds light on undisclosed reasons and motives driving the Chinese foreign policy in Syria.