The Syrian government has officially declared its support for China's controversial policies in the Xinjiang region, drawing sharp condemnation from the East Turkistan Government in Exile (ETGE). The exiled group has labeled Syria's alignment with Beijing as a direct betrayal of Uyghur fighters who previously supported Syrian forces.
Syria's Strategic Shift Toward China
In a significant diplomatic move, the Syrian government issued an official statement expressing firm support for China's position on Xinjiang and other strategic matters. This declaration represents a notable shift in Syria's foreign policy alignment and comes amid China's growing economic and political influence in the Middle East.
The Syrian statement specifically endorsed what it called "China's legitimate right to safeguard national unity and territorial integrity." This phrasing directly aligns with Beijing's official narrative regarding its policies in Xinjiang, where human rights organizations have documented widespread abuses against Uyghur Muslims.
ETGE's Strong Condemnation
The East Turkistan Government in Exile responded with forceful criticism, calling Syria's position a profound betrayal of Uyghur fighters who had previously supported Syrian government forces. According to ETGE spokesperson, these fighters had shown solidarity with Syria during its internal conflicts, making the current alignment with China particularly damaging.
Salih Hudayar, Prime Minister of ETGE, expressed deep disappointment with the Syrian government's statement. He emphasized that Uyghur fighters had previously stood with Syrian forces, making this endorsement of China's policies especially painful for the East Turkestan community.
Geopolitical Implications and Regional Dynamics
This development highlights the complex geopolitical realignments occurring across Asia and the Middle East. Syria's move toward China reflects Beijing's expanding influence in regions traditionally dominated by Western powers or regional actors.
The situation also underscores the challenging position of exiled groups like ETGE, who find themselves navigating shifting international alliances that often prioritize economic and strategic interests over human rights concerns. As China continues to strengthen its partnerships with various governments, the voices of dissident groups face increasing marginalization on the global stage.
This alignment between Syria and China represents another chapter in the ongoing geopolitical competition that is reshaping international relations. The move signals China's success in building diplomatic support for its controversial domestic policies while expanding its influence in the strategically important Middle East region.
