Chinese leader Xi Jinping calls for lifting of ‘illegal’ sanctions on Syria as he welcomes Bashar al-Assad to Asian Games
- Assad is in Hangzhou for the opening of the event as part of his first visit to China since the start of the Syrian civil war
- At a banquet to mark the opening of the event, Xi tells Asian leaders the continent can be an ‘anchor for peace in the world’
Chinese President Xi Jinping criticised the West’s “illegal sanctions” and pledged more support for Syria as he kicked off a string of meetings with foreign counterparts attending the opening of the Asian Games in Hangzhou on Saturday.
Xi said China would help rebuild Syria’s economy and counter domestic unrest as he announced the upgrading of relations to a strategic partnership in a meeting with President Bashar al-Assad.
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“China opposes interference by external forces in Syria’s internal affairs ... and urges all relevant countries to lift illegal unilateral sanctions against Syria,” a joint statement published by the Chinese foreign ministry on Friday said.
“China will try its best to provide assistance to Syria, and support the rebuilding work and development of Syria as it recovers.”
The statement also noted the Syrian government applauded China’s “contributions” to fostering “peace and stability” in the Middle East, while China also pledged to help Syria “improve relations with other Arab countries and play a greater role in international and regional affairs”.
At a Saturday lunch banquet, Xi criticised the “cold war mentality and bloc confrontation”, and pledged to make Asia the “anchor for peace in the world.”
