With the Syrian situation hotting up, Beijing couldn’t have chosen a curiouser moment to show the flag in the Eastern Mediterranean and pay “friendly calls” on NATO countries. Two Chinese warships including a guided missile destroyer arrived in Istanbul Sunday on a 4-day visit to Turkey in the first such call since 2002.
Another Chinese naval flotilla also entered the Black Sea to arrive at the Bulgarian port of Varna Sunday on a 5-day “goodwill visit”, the first-ever visit of Chinese navy ships to Bulgaria. Earlier, on July 27, when the Chinese flotilla passed through the Suez Canal, israeli media speculated that the war ships were to hold “naval military drills” with Syria, but the ministry of defence in Beijing issued a crisp denial.
A Xinhua commentary on Friday underscored that the Syrian government’s overall standing in the international community has weakened. Referring to the resolution on Syria passed by the UN General Assembly earlier that day, Xinhua noted, “It meant many countries in the world were unsatisfied with the developments on the Syrian ground, and were calling for more efforts from the government to reduce violence and restore stability.”
The commentary (here) said the UNGA resolution will “still increase the pressure on the government.” It added, “The Assad administration, embattled in a fierce war against the opposition at home, is encountering more suspicion and accusation from the outside.” Interestingly, it used the word “insurgency”.
Equally, the commentary mentioned that the UNGA resolution met with “significant opposition” and singled out Russia, but omitted any reference to the Chinese stance as such. The commentary appeared even as a high-level delegation from Damascus travelled to Moscow seeking aid. On Saturday, Moscow agreed to supply oil to Syria and to consider a Syrian request for credit.
The transition from a political issue to a sectarian one is rapidly becoming the reality, atleast so it seems from the reports available.This dangerous trend can only be the cause of serIous concern for Israel. A political resolution of the Syrian crisis would not only save lives, can safeguard secular ethos in the nation to considerable extent by enabling a step by step transition to democracy along the lines og Egypt.
Russian support to Syrian regime, is for intra-Syrian stability and their reifnorcement of the tottering regime move inevitably towards defeat is to find a route for political change without social instability, thereby avoiding Libyan scenario. Given the education level and social sophistication besides deep cultural roots of the Syrian nation, a more of Egypt-like and less of Libya-like transition is certainly feasible.
China which is seemingly in lock step with Russia on Syrian crisis may have a different type of motivation. Instability in Syria which locks up more of western resources may suit their long term interests, hence delaying the collapse of regime to morph the political divide into an irreversible sectarian one may be their preferred option. While this conjecture on Chinese intent may or may not be valid, it is certainly worth exploring, given then fact that such game was played with considerable expertise in Indian subcontinent.
If Russia finally pressures for a timely reconciliation of transition with social stability, China whatever be its intent would be also constrained to fall in line, else risk total isolation. Hence, it apperas that the likelihood of averting major long term damage to prospect of civil democracy in Syria is quite good.
Mighty curious indeed.
Not too surprising perhaps.
Wasn’t it China that accompanied Russia on 17 March 2011 in the UN SC - both knowing full well in advance that their “abstentions” in voting for Resolution 1973 was a death sentence for Libyan independence and Colonel Kadafi? The subsequent crocodile tears could not wash the fact.
(thefreedictionary.com:
shifty, adj.
1. Having, displaying, or suggestive of deceitful character; evasive or untrustworthy.
2. Distinguished by frequent changes in direction
3. Able to accomplish what is needed; resourceful.
It all depends how one looks at it
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