Syria's new leader holds first meeting with China after Assad's fall
- Syria's regime change occurred following a successful attack by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham in December 2024.
- Ahmed al-Sharaa, the new president, met with Chinese Ambassador Shi Hongwei in a historic meeting.
- The meeting raises questions about the future relationship between China and the newly formed Syrian government.
Following the collapse of the Assad regime in early December 2024, Syria finds itself under the control of the terrorist organization Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS). Ahmed al-Sharaa, previously known as Abu Mohammed al-Jolani, emerged as the interim president of Syria after the regime's downfall. This recent developement signals a shift in the international dynamics surrounding the war-torn country. China, traditionally aligned with Assad, has now established a communication line with the new Syrian leadership. The meeting between Sharaa and Shi Hongwei, the Chinese ambassador to Syria, marks the first known diplomatic exchange between the reshaped Syrian regime and China. However, many questions remain unanswered about the discussions between the two parties, creating a veil of uncertainty regarding their future relationship and potential political decisions. Despite China’s previous support for the former Assad regime, its engagement with Sharaa's government reflects a pragmatic approach in navigating the changing political landscape in the Middle East.