Last week’s U.S. move to ease sanctions on Syria made headlines in China’s state media and reignited online discussion that began last December after Syria’s government collapsed. Chinese netizens voiced distrust of the new leadership, criticized U.S. intervention, noted Russia’s fading influence, and expressed renewed appreciation for China’s governance model.
- Deep Skepticism Toward Syria’s New Governance
On Zhihu, under the topic “How many Syrians now regret toppling Assad?”, many users voiced strong distrust toward Syria’s current leadership. Netizens frequently described the new authorities as terrorist-backed and expressed horror at alleged atrocities committed by the transitional government. Posts referencing videos of massacres and public executions have fueled a narrative that Syria has descended into chaos since the ousting of Bashar al-Assad.
- Cynicism Toward Western Involvement
A recurring theme in the discussions is the belief that the U.S. played a key role in destabilizing Syria. Many netizens argue that Washington fomented unrest through media influence and financial support to opposition forces under the banner of freedom and democracy. These views echo broader skepticism in China about Western interventionism, with the Syrian conflict often cited as a cautionary tale of “color revolutions” gone wrong.
- A Loss for Russia
A viral WeChat article claims Syria has become a new anti-Russian hub, attributing the shift to the death of Wagner Group leader Yevgeny Prigozhin and the Syrian government’s growing alignment with the West. The author argues that Russia’s waning influence has emboldened anti-Russian elements—ranging from jihadist groups to Ukrainian-backed militants—posing new threats to Russia’s military foothold and strategic interests in the Middle East and Africa.
- Reflection on China’s Role and Its Own Path
Most online voices acknowledge that China has played only a limited role in Syria’s post-conflict landscape. Yet these conversations often segue into expressions of gratitude for China’s domestic stability and strong governance, implicitly contrasting it with the turmoil seen in Syria.
