All news

No Chinese military presence in Syria, says envoy

The Chinese envoy noted that Beijing intends to participate in the reconstruction of Syria

BEIJING, August 20. /TASS/. There is no Chinese military presence in Syria though Beijing plans to participate in the country’s reconstruction, China’s Special Envoy for Syria Xie Xiaoyan said at a Foreign Ministry briefing on Monday, commenting on media reports claiming that China either already had sent troops to Syria or is ready to do that.

"China has never sent troops to Syria, there is no Chinese military presence in the country," Xie Xiaoyan said, adding that the fight against terrorism in Syria "must be brought to a conclusion."

"We intend to participate in the reconstruction of Syria," the Chinese envoy noted. According to him, Beijing is considering the possibility of increasing its participation in the reconstruction work. However, in Xie Xiaoyan’s words, "there is a need to ensure peace and security" in Syria before Chinese personnel are sent there to take part in reconstruction activities.

In late July, the Chinese envoy visited Saudi Arabia, Syria and Israel in order to discuss ways to resolve the Syrian conflict.