China sticks to its guns on Syria

DUBAI, February 19, 2012

China on Saturday reaffirmed that it continues to reject the western-backed Arab plan that calls for the exit of President Bashar Al Assad as the first step towards achieving a political transition in the strife-torn nation.



Visiting Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Zhai Jun made it plain to the media after talks with Syrian leadership, that contrary to western exhortations, China would unambiguously support the roadmap scripted by Mr. Assad for stabilising democracy. The plan calls for an end to violence by all sides and the conduct of a national referendum on February 26, where Syrians would vote for a constitution before the country heads for parliamentary polls. The new constitution — which could anchor the fledgling democracy — is expected to allow the participation of multiple parties during elections.



"We hope that the referendum on a new constitution, as well as the forthcoming parliamentary elections pass off calmly," Syrian state television quoted Mr. Zhai as saying. Earlier, after his talks with Mr. Assad, the Chinese envoy called upon the "the government, the opposition and the rebels to halt acts of violence immediately". Along with Russia, China has been insisting that it was the duty of not the government alone, but equally, also of the opposition to abjure violence, and begin a dialogue after a sustainable ceasefire has been achieved.



Analysts say China is beginning to demonstrate exceptional boldness by openly defying the West on Syria — a position that could not have been adopted without detailed deliberations within the various sections of the Chinese power elite.



Signalling that China is recalibrating its stance, an editorial on Saturday in China\'s Global Times newspaper, published by the ruling Communist Party, said China\'s courage "to truly express itself and to calmly stand its ground is worthy of merit". It added: "The trajectory of China\'s influence on world politics is rising. The West should be advised to reduce its expectations on abstention votes [in the U.N.] by China. Like it or not, China\'s stance must be taken into more serious consideration."



Contrary to the Chinese expectations, the Syrian opposition has rejected Mr. Assad\'s call for a referendum on a new draft constitution at the month-end. "It is impossible for us to take part in this referendum before an end to the violence and killings," said the opposition National Coordination Committee for Democratic Change.



Mirroring the tensions inside Syria, Reuters is reporting that thousands poured into the streets of Damascus calling for Mr. Assad\'s resignation, following Friday prayers. Opposition activists claim on Saturday that one person was killed on Saturday when security forces fired live rounds at a funeral procession for three protesters who were killed the previous day. They also alleged that there had been no letup in the assault by government troops in Homs, where the opposition stronghold of Baba Amr is being targeted with artillery and rocket fire — a view that could not be independently confirmed.


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