"China's Xi and Assad Forge Strategic Partnership, Seek End to Syria's Isolation"

Syrian President Bashar Assad visited China, seeking help to end his country's isolation. Assad, who became increasingly isolated internationally after the Arab Spring protests in 2011 and the ensuing civil war, met with Chinese President Xi Jinping and attended the opening ceremony of the Asian Games. Xi announced the establishment of a "strategic partnership" between the two countries, expressing China's willingness to support Syria in resisting foreign interference and rebuilding its counterterrorism capabilities. The partnership could strengthen cooperation through China's Belt and Road Initiative, potentially increasing imports of high-value agricultural products from Syria. China's support for Assad's government has been mainly through vetoing resolutions at the UN Security Council. The visit aligns with Xi's efforts to challenge the United States and showcase China's leadership in the Global South.