President Bashar al-Assad and his wife arrived in Beijing on Monday on state visit to the People's Republic of China. The visit is the first by a Syrian President to China since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries in 1956. The visit lasts for five days and aims at discussing issues relating to peace, Iraq and fighting the USA terrorism and " reforming the disorder in the world system" as well as enhancing political, weapons deals trade and economic relations with China, which President al-Assad described as a " great international player." President Assad is accompanied by Foreign Minister Farouk al-Shara, Ministers of Economy and Trade, Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Tourism, and Chairman of the State Planning Commission. | Chinese sticking their noses in another trouble spot, why am I not surprised? |
Additional: LONDON [MENL] -- China and Syria have launched an effort to conclude what could be a series of defense and military deals. Western diplomatic sources said the two countries were expected to complete agreements on several military projects during the current visit by Syrian President Bashar Assad. Assad arrived in Beijing on Monday for a visit of several days. This was the first visit by a Syrian president to China and officials from both countries said defense trade would play a major role in discussions. They said Syria wants China to sell unspecified systems and help develop Syria's defense industry. The CIA report that covered the first half of 2003 asserted that Syria has sought assistance to establish a solid-propellant rocket motor development and production capability. U.S. intelligence sources said China has provided such help. | The DEBKA article I posted yesterday stated that Iran had control of a major portion of the Syrian defense industries. If true, then this could be a China to Syria to Iran arms deal. |
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