Publication

This paper examines China’s interests in Syria and why it may want President Assad to remain in power, particularly in light of reports that Turkey is planning to invade Syria. The author argues China wants Assad to retain power as 1) Beijing needs friendly regimes such as Assad's in the Middle-East to ensure its energy supplies; and 2) Beijing is concerned about the threat Turkish policy under Prime Minister Erdogan and a Turkish overthrow of President Assad might pose to the territorial integrity of its Muslim province Xinjiang. She also suggests that in light of these factors, China may join forces with Russia and Iran to defend Assad.