(MENAFN) China has expressed deep concern over the recent escalation in Syria, where jihadist militants launched a major offensive last week. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian emphasized that, as a close ally of Syria, China is ready to take steps to prevent the situation from worsening. The Hayat Tahrir-al-Sham (HTS) group, formerly Jabhat al-Nusra, and allied militias attacked government-controlled areas in northern Syria, capturing towns and villages in Aleppo, Idlib, and Hama provinces.

In response, Syrian government forces, supported by Russian airstrikes, launched a counterattack, reclaiming several areas and killing hundreds of militants, though the fighting resulted in significant Syrian military casualties. Lin reassured that China supports Syria’s efforts to maintain national security and stability and will continue to monitor the situation closely. Additionally, China has advised its citizens in Syria to take precautions and move to safer locations if necessary.

China’s relationship with Syria has strengthened in recent years, with a strategic partnership agreement signed between Presidents Xi Jinping and Bashar al-Assad last year, pledging mutual support against foreign interference. Other nations, including Russia, Iran, Iraq, and Egypt, have also voiced support for Syria’s fight against terrorism, with Russia denouncing the militants' actions as a violation of Syria’s sovereignty. Iran has called for greater unity among Islamic countries to help Syria defeat the militants.

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