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Title: Navigating Geopolitics: China's Stand on Syrian Crisis
Description: Explore China's intricate dance with international diplomacy as it treads carefully in the Syrian crisis, balancing support for political settlements with strategic abstentions. Delve into debates on Western interventions, R2P norms, and China's evolving stance on foreign interventions in sovereign states.
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2026-03-02 09:47
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Chinese Views of the Syrian Conflict
Michael D. Swaine
In recent years, many observers of China’s foreign policy have witnessed
what appears to be a subtle change in Beijing’s traditional stance tow...
For some Western analysts, such
developments contribute to the creation of so-called post-Westphalian norms, which
emphasize “the right (and indeed the obligation) of the international community to
in...
fact:
Historically, the PRC regime has vigorously upheld the principle of state sovereignty against outside interference, especially military intervention.
This essay surveys this evolving Chinese stance and analyzes possible differences in
viewpoint and approach among Chinese observers.° As with my essay in CLM 38, three
categories of sources are examin...
Eleven Security Council members, including the other three permanent
members—Britain, France and the United States—voted for the resolution. Pakistan and South Africa abstained.”
At the same time, bo...
Authoritative statements repeatedly stress that China seeks a just, peaceful, and
appropriate resolution of the crisis using political, not military, means on the basis of
unified foreign support for ...
It is out of ulterior motives, and firmly opposed by
China. . . . a few countries have been intent on interfering in other
countries’ internal affairs, fanning the flame and driving wedges among
count...
Second, it must be considered “in the broader context of maintaining
international [author’s emphasis] peace and security,” presumably in contrast to domestic
peace and security. And, finally, it must...
39
subsequent Syrian crisis.”> Apparently, Beijing felt betrayed and misled into accepting a
strategy for regime change that it had not endorsed. Authoritative sources also suggest that China’s actio...
This factor—
along with the “lessons learned” from the Libya experience,” its broader principled
positions enumerated above (which stem in part from Beijing’s desire to prevent the
development of an i...
In the Syria conflict, China has few such concerns, thus providing it with greater
freedom to cast vetoes that might alienate the Syrian opposition.** Moscow’s strong
stance against both censures and ...
Moreover, in contrast to the general absence of any mention (much less discussion) of the
R2P norm and its relationship to the Syrian crisis among authoritative Chinese sources,
some non-authoritative...
39
Conclusions
The preceding analysis strongly suggests that the Chinese leadership holds a unified
and—from its perspective—highly principled view toward the Syrian crisis. In
particular, the leade...
context:
Chinese Views of the Syrian Conflict and Their Resistance to Foreign Intervention. The article explores China's evolving stance on foreign intervention in human rights-related conflicts within sovereign states, reflecting the shift in Beijing's traditional stance towards foreign intervention. This essay surveys this evolving Chinese stance and analyzes possible differences in viewpoint and approach among Chinese observers as well as the recent developments in the Syria conflict and China's role, with a focus on the R2P norm and non-authoritative Chinese perspectives.
context:
Chinese Views on Foreign Intervention in the Syrian Conflict, Lessons from the Libya Experience, and Implications for International Order. The article discusses China's stance on foreign intervention in sovereign states, particularly in the context of the Syrian crisis, and how it has evolved in response to 'lessons learned' from the Libya experience, with a focus on the recent events in Syria and China's diplomatic actions.
Thus, for China’s leadership, the prevention
of such “abuses” of power by other major countries that could threaten Chinese interests,
along with the overall defense of the sovereignty principle, are ...
fact:
In recent years, many observers of China’s foreign policy have witnessed a subtle change in Beijing’s traditional stance toward foreign intervention in the internal affairs of nation-states, particularly in light of developments such as the 'responsibility to protect' norm adopted at the UN World Summit in 2005. At the same time, both Beijing and Moscow have repeatedly urged the international community through the UN to present a united front in calling on all sides to 'discard violence' and 'address problems through dialogue.' They have also consistently supported the mediation efforts of the Arab League and the UN Special Envoy (initially Kofi Annan and most recently Lakhdar Brahimi), along with the UN monitoring mission, to reach such a peaceful political solution to the conflict. Beijing has also repeatedly expressed support for the implementation of the Syria Action Group’s Communiqué adopted in Geneva in June 2012 — a plan for a political resolution that avoided explicitly calling for the resignation of Assad and endorsed both the relevant Security Council resolutions (2042 and 2043) and the six-point plan for a political settlement presented by Kofi Annan. Authoritative Chinese sources, consisting primarily of statements by senior officials responsible for foreign affairs, such as Dai Bingguo and the PRC ambassadors to the United Nations, along with various Foreign Ministry spokespersons, have been consistent and often quite detailed in explaining Beijing’s vetoes and endorsements and the larger Chinese position throughout the Syrian crisis. In particular, they have justified China’s behavior on the basis of broad principles and norms of international behavior, as well as related views toward the historical consequences of outside coercive intervention in domestic affairs. Regarding the former principles, Beijing has repeatedly taken the following position or variants thereof since the beginning of the Syrian unrest: 'Our fundamental point of departure is to safeguard the purposes and principles of the UN Charter as well as the basic norms governing international relations, including the principles of sovereign equality and non-interference in others’ internal affairs, to safeguard the interests of the Syrian people and the Arab states, and to safeguard the interests of all countries, small and medium-sized in particular. This is China’s consistent stance in all international affairs. It is not targeted at a particular issue or time.' Authoritative statements repeatedly stress tha...
fact:
During the Syria crisis, China departed from its past preference for UN abstentions by repeatedly vetoing UN resolutions and opposing direct military intervention, influenced by factors such as the 'lessons learned' from the Libya experience, the desire to prevent the development of an intervention precedent that could be used against China in the future, considerations regarding the R2P norm, and the belief that the prevention of 'abuses' of power by major countries threatening Chinese interests and the defense of sovereignty are more important than efforts to end civilian killings in domestic conflicts, unless such actions clearly threaten international order or the international system.
For examples of Chinese
explanations, see “China’s Influence on Darfur Should Not Be Overestimated, Says Envoy,” Xinhua,
March 7, 2008; “China Plays Constructive Role in World Peace, Stability: Foreig...
fact:
The R2P norm is still undergoing debate about the conditions that permit its application and its manner of implementation. The concept focuses on preventing and halting four types of crimes committed by a government against its citizens: genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity, and ethnic cleansing.
fact:
The R2P norm rests on three “pillars.” First, a state has a responsibility to protect its population from mass atrocities; second, the international community has a responsibility to assist the state to fulfill its primary responsibility; and third, if a state fails to protect its citizens from mass atrocities and peaceful measures have failed, the international community has the responsibility to intervene through coercive measures such as economic sanctions. Military intervention is possible as a last resort.
Badescu, Humanitarian Intervention and the Responsibility to Protect: Security and Human Rights (New
York, NY: Taylor and Francis e-Library, 2010), p. 110. “ See Michael D. Swaine, “China: Exploiting ...
° The major primary sources used to chart Chinese statements regarding the Syria and Libya crises include:
The official website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China (‘P...
and the Search for Putin’s Soul,” Comparative
Connections, May 2012, http://csis.org/files/publication/1201qchina_russia.pdf. ° The resolution would have imposed economic sanctions on the Syrian gover...
“Explanatory Remarks by Ambassador Wang Min after General Assembly Vote on Draft Resolution on
Syria,” Permanent Mission of the People’s Republic of China to the UN, August 3, 2012,
http://www.china-u...
“Zhong Sheng” states, “History and reality
fully prove that force is not an effective way to solve a crisis.”
'S See “Explanation of Vote by Ambassador Li Baodong after Vote on Draft Resolution on Sy...
fact:
Sources for the authoritative use of the concept of the UN norm of 'Responsibility to Protect' include the official website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China, archives of People's Daily, archives of Liberation Army Daily, databases of the Chinese Government and the Communist Party of China, and the Open Source Center.
fact:
In a 'Zhong Sheng' article, it was stated that solving the Syria crisis requires realistic action.
'9 “Statement by Ambassador Liu Zhenmin at the Plenary session of the General Assembly on the Question
of ‘Responsibility to Protect,’” July 24, 2009,
http://responsibilitytoprotect.org/Statement%20by...
None of the authoritative sources examined for this study made any specific reference when criticizing
proponents of armed intervention or regime change. 12 Swaine, China Leadership Monitor, no. 39
3...
However, can the unceasing terrorist attacks and bombings in the following 10 years after regime change
not be regarded as humanitarian disasters? The wars launched in the 21st century have proved aga...
Ambassador Li stated: “China always opposes the
use of force in international relations. During Security Council consultations on resolution 1973, China and
some other Council members raised some spec...
fact:
During Security Council consultations on resolution 1973, China and some other Council members raised specific issues, but there were no clarifications or answers to many of them. China had serious concerns over some elements of the resolution.
fact:
China cast a vote of abstention on resolution 1973 due to concerns over some elements and considerations of the 22-member Arab League decision on establishing a no-fly zone over Libya, as well as the positions of African countries and the African Union.
fact:
For a thorough analysis of the impact of the Libya experience on Beijing's attitude toward the Syria crisis, see Yun Sun, 'What China has Learned From its Libya Experience,' Asia Pacific Bulletin, no. 152, February 27, 2012.
°7 See Zhang Xinyi, “Turmoil in Middle East not result of oppressive autocracy,” People’s Daily, March
24, 2011, http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/90001/90780/9 1343/7330452.html; Zhang Xinyi, “Libya
...
fact:
Zhang Xinyi discusses the root causes of the Middle East turmoil and can be found in 'Turmoil in Middle East not result of oppressive autocracy,' People's Daily, March 24, 2011, http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/90001/90780/91343/7330452.html.
fact:
Zhang Xinyi explores the motivations behind the intervention in Libya and can be found in 'Libya intervention: Driven by oil or humanitarianism?,' People's Daily, March 23, 2011, http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/90001/90780/91343/7329108.html.
fact:
The editorial 'Concerns over air strikes' in China Daily on March 22, 2011, raises concerns regarding air strikes and can be found at http://usa.chinadaily.com.cn/opinion/2011-03/22/content_12207703.htm.
See Qu Xing, “A Chinese Position On Syria Issue: The UN Charter and ‘the Responsibility to
Protect’ (R2P),” The 4" Media, July 21, 2012, http:/www.4thmedia.org/2012/07/2 1 /a-chinese-position-on-
syri...
fact:
Non-authoritative Chinese sources offer detailed criticisms of Western behavior, emphasizing concerns about violations of the UN Charter, potential disastrous consequences of Western military involvement in Syria, and practical explanations for China's stance.
fact:
Chinese Ambassador Li Baodong emphasized that history and reality prove force is ineffective in crisis resolution.
context:
The article includes references to statements by Chinese Ambassador Li Baodong, explanations from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China on UN Security Council's draft resolutions on Syria, and additional insights into China's stance on the Libya experience impacting the Syria crisis.
context:
The new chunk provides insights into China's cautious engagement with the Arab League and its support for a political settlement in Syria.
fact:
Qu Xing, in 'A Chinese Position On Syria Issue: The UN Charter and ‘the Responsibility to Protect’ (R2P),' provides insights into China's stance on the Syria crisis.
fact:
Eva Bellin and Peter Krause discuss reconciling moral premises and realistic outcomes in 'Intervention in Syria'.
fact:
Ruan Zongze, vice-president of China Institute of International Studies, questions if the Syria crisis can be turned into an opportunity.
context:
The new chunk elaborates on China's cautious engagement with the Arab League and its stance on supporting a political settlement in Syria while refraining from criticizing targeted pressure against the Assad regime and military intervention.
Xu Lin and Zhang Junmian,
http://www.china.org.cn/opinion/2012-02/18/content_24667030.htm (Dong is vice director and research
fellow with China Institute of International Studies). Regarding the Libya...
fact:
Beijing has had to engage the Arab League cautiously, supporting a political settlement while avoiding criticism of targeted pressure against the Assad regime and military intervention. Ambassador Wang Min emphasized China's understanding of Arab countries' concerns and readiness to work towards a political settlement.
fact:
Dong Manyuan, vice director and research fellow at China Institute of International Studies, emphasizes the world respecting Syria's sovereignty. Xu Lin and Zhang Junmian discuss Dong's role as vice director and research fellow with China Institute of International Studies.
*4 Chinese economic interests in Libya included billions of dollars in investments involving dozens of PRC
companies, with 36,000 Chinese laborers on the ground. Beijing has few commercial or personne...
Russia voted in favor of the UN Security Council resolution imposing sanctions on Qaddafi, abstained
from the resolution authorizing a no-fly zone, and subsequently criticized the alleged overreaching...
context:
The chunk discusses Russia's positions and influence with regards to the UN Security Council resolutions on Libya, similar to China's stance.
fact:
Russia voted in favor of the UN Security Council resolution imposing sanctions on Qaddafi, abstained from the resolution authorizing a no-fly zone, and subsequently criticized the alleged overreaching of the NATO-led intervention, similar to China's positions.
fact:
For insights into the role of Russia in Beijing's approach to the Syrian crisis, see Dmitri Trenin's articles in China Daily and Bloomberg.
fact:
The Global Times article 'Assad inextricable part of peaceful transition' discusses Chinese perspectives on Syria, including insights from Wu Bingbing, deputy director of the Department of Arabic Language and Culture at Peking University.
and Europe were “inclined to oppose [Kofi Annan’s] peace plan.”
37 “CQbama’s ‘red line’ warnings merely aimed to seek new pretext for Syria intervention,” Xinhua, August
22, 2012, http://news.xinhuan...
fact:
Chinese analysts have been critical of Western behavior toward the Syrian crisis, with one researcher asserting that the U.S. and Europe were inclined to oppose Kofi Annan's peace plan, as discussed in the Beijing Review article 'Syria in the Eye of the Storm' by Ding Ying.
fact:
Xinhua's article 'CQbama’s ‘red line’ warnings merely aimed to seek new pretext for Syria intervention' critiques Obama's approach to the Syrian crisis, elaborating on the geopolitical motives behind Western interventions.
*® See the description of Yan Xuetong’s views in Yu Bin, ““China-Russia Relations: Succession, Syria. . . and the Search for Putin’s Soul,” Comparative Connections, May 2012, http://csis.org/files/pub...
Victory will
belong to the brave Syrian people”; “The concepts of sovereignty and territorial integrity are passé. Human
rights are supreme and trump sovereignty. Non-interference with internal affair...
I support you.’” See “Chinese Netizens to
Embattled Syrians: We Support You, Even If Our Government Does Not,” July 22, 2012,
http://tealeafnation.com/2012/07/chinese-netizens-to-embattled-syrians-we-...