Syrian-Chinese Relations: From the Double Veto to Rebuilding Syria and Smart Cities

A New Phase of Diplomatic Engagement

China's Ambassador to Damascus, Shi Hongwei, announced his country's intention to broaden practical cooperation with Syria and participate in the recovery and rebuilding phase, affirming Beijing's respect for Syria's political process and the choices of its people. The announcement came in an article published in the Syrian newspaper Al-Thawra Al-Souriya, timed to mark the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries, under the title "Hand in Hand to Write a New Chapter of the Silk Road."

Bilateral relations entered a phase of direct dialogue with Syria's new authorities following the fall of the Assad regime in December 2024, moving beyond a period of political alignment during which China and Russia jointly exercised the veto (double veto) in the UN Security Council ten times in favour of the former regime between 2011 and 2020.

A Sequence of High-Level Meetings

Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa met with the Chinese ambassador in Damascus in February 2025, followed by a meeting between Syria's foreign minister and the Chinese ambassador in July 2025 to discuss bilateral relations and ways to strengthen them. These engagements culminated in a September 2025 meeting in Beijing between Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and his Syrian counterpart Asaad al-Shaibani, at which both sides announced agreement on enhancing dialogue and developing frameworks for cooperation between Damascus and Beijing.

The Belt and Road Initiative and Rebuilding Opportunities

In his article, the Chinese ambassador highlighted the alignment between the Belt and Road Initiative and Syria's geographical position and development needs, affirming China's readiness to share its development expertise and provide assistance in infrastructure and human resources. He stated that China intends to strengthen cultural and people-to-people exchanges and offer various forms of assistance in accordance with Syria's needs.

Free Zone Agreements and Industrial City Projects

On the practical level, Syria's General Authority for Land and Sea Ports signed a 20-year memorandum of understanding in May 2025 with Chinese firm Fidi Contracting, covering investment in two free zones: Adra in Rural Damascus and Hisyah in Rural Homs, spanning an area exceeding 1.1 million square metres, for the establishment of industrial and commercial cities.

In June 2026, cooperation advanced to the smart cities domain with the launch of the "Syria International Smart Industrial Cities" platform in China, under which the first two smart furniture city projects in Damascus and Aleppo were announced. Syria's chargé d'affaires in China, Mohammad Lababidi, stated that Syria welcomes Chinese companies and institutions wishing to contribute to development and rebuilding projects, noting that the coming phase requires expanded economic and industrial cooperation serving the mutual interests of both countries.

Political Positions and Shared Principles

Beijing reiterated its support for Syria's territorial unity and independence. The ambassador affirmed in his article that China respects Syria's sovereignty, territorial integrity, and national unity, and supports the internal political process led by the Syrian government. In turn, the ambassador noted China's appreciation for Damascus's alignment with the "One China" principle and its respect for Beijing's core interests, describing the relationship between the two countries as a civilisational friendship rooted in thousands of years of Silk Road history.