In a significant development in the ongoing Syrian conflict, opposition forces have launched a major offensive, achieving substantial gains and seizing control of a large portion of Aleppo city. This marks the most significant pushback against the Assad regime in nearly four years, raising crucial questions about the future of the conflict and the shifting geopolitical dynamics in the region.
The recent offensive comes at a critical juncture. Russia and Iran, key allies of Assad, are currently embroiled in their own conflicts—Russia’s war in Ukraine and Iran’s escalating tensions with Israel. This distraction has presented a strategic opportunity for the Syrian opposition to challenge Assad’s authority, capitalizing on the relative weakening of his external support network.
In response to these developments, China has issued a statement through its Foreign Ministry, explicitly expressing support for the Assad regime’s efforts to maintain national security and stability. Foreign Ministry Spokesman Lin Jian, according to AFP, declared China’s willingness to work toward preventing further escalation of the Syrian crisis. This declaration marks a significant show of solidarity with Assad at a precarious moment.
While Syrian and Russian warplanes have conducted airstrikes targeting opposition forces, reports suggest that the opposition currently holds a substantial portion of Aleppo and surrounding areas. The Assad regime’s heavy reliance on external support is well documented. Russia’s direct military intervention in 2015 was pivotal in turning the tide for Assad, allowing his regime to regain control over a majority of the country. Currently, the Assad regime is estimated to control around 60% of Syria, while the remainder is fragmented between opposition forces and Kurdish militias in the northeast, according to the New York Times.
China’s unwavering support for Assad, alongside Russia and Iran, highlights the complex geopolitical alliances in the region. It’s noteworthy that Assad’s visit to China, outside of the West Asia and Russia, since the start of the Syrian Civil War in 2011 – making him a pariah in much of the world due to the controversies surrounding his regime’s actions, including alleged use of chemical weapons—underscores the enduring nature of this relationship and highlights China’s strategic interests in Syria. The evolving situation in Aleppo, coupled with China’s explicit backing of Assad, suggests a significant shift in the Syrian conflict and potentially wider implications for regional stability.
The coming weeks and months will be critical in determining the outcome of this renewed offensive and the extent to which China’s support will impact the future trajectory of the Syrian Civil War. The international community will be watching closely to gauge the implications of this latest development on peace efforts and the wider regional landscape.
