China's deputy permanent representative to the United Nations, Geng Shuang, emphasized the critical link between counter-terrorism efforts and resolving Syria's chemical weapons crisis during a UN Security Council briefing on Friday. The remarks come amid heightened concerns over terrorist groups exploiting instability in the region.
Terrorist Threats and Chemical Risks
Geng warned that recent large-scale violent incidents in Syria underscore the "serious threat" posed by entrenched terrorist forces, specifically naming the East Turkistan Islamic Movement. He urged Syrian interim authorities to intensify efforts against Security Council-listed terrorist organizations, stressing that chemical weapons destruction must be "verifiable" to prevent dangerous materials from reaching militants.
Regional Tensions Complicate Progress
The envoy criticized Israel's military actions in Syria as violations of international law that "complicate" chemical weapons resolution. He called for an immediate withdrawal of Israeli forces from Syrian territory while acknowledging progress in cooperation between Syria and the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW).
Path Forward: Dialogue and Compliance
Geng reiterated China's support for a political solution through inclusive dialogue, urging Syrian authorities to bridge internal divides and ensure protections for all citizens. "The chemical weapons issue cannot be separated from Syria's broader political transition," he stated, emphasizing Syria's obligations under the Chemical Weapons Convention.
China pledged to collaborate with international partners to restore stability, framing the issue as both a regional security priority and a global non-proliferation challenge.
