‘Jordan, China agree on need for political solution in Syria’

AMMAN — China and Jordan share common views on how to address the Syrian crisis, a Chinese official said on Tuesday, calling for a political solution to end the war.  

“Resolving the crisis will not be an easy task,” said Xie Xiaoyan, special envoy of the Chinese government on the Syrian issue, at a press conference after a meeting with Jordanian officials in Amman.

“It is sophisticated as the interests of many stakeholders and players are involved, but with patience and confidence we will reach a solution,” Xie said. 

China is keen on continued coordination with Jordan in addressing the Syrian crisis, said the envoy, adding that Beijing is committed to continuing its support to the Syrian people and countries affected by the influx of Syrian refugees.

China is engaged in ongoing communication with the Syrian government, opposition, the US, Russia and regional players in this regard, the Chinese official said, expressing optimism that peace talks would resume soon between the Syrian government and opposition.

“Military means will lead nowhere in the Syrian issue,” said the envoy.

A political solution is needed, “and pre-conditioning the ouster of [President Bashar] Assad to start negotiations is not a solution as it will obstruct any peacemaking efforts,” he added.

No solution should be dictated to the Syrian people, Xie said, noting that “any external solution to the Syrian issue will reach a deadlock”. 

The envoy said he had held constructive discussions with Jordanian officials during his visit to Amman, which is part of a regional tour that will also take him to Qatar.

Minister of State for Media Affairs and acting foreign minister Mohammad Momani highlighted the repercussions of the Syrian refugee crisis on Jordan, during a meeting with Xie at the Prime Ministry, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported. 

Momani, who is also government spokesperson, called for intensifying international efforts to reach a peaceful solution to the crisis, noting that Jordan views the political process as the key to peace on the humanitarian and security levels. 

He said Jordan and China share a common vision, noting that both countries agree on the need for a political solution.

Meanwhile, Xie stressed Beijing’s continued support for Jordan, and said that China has provided 130 million yuan (JD13.9 million) this year to help the Kingdom cope with the influx of Syrian refugees. 

He commended Jordan’s role in providing aid and services to Syrian refugees, and said China would continue to supply aid and humanitarian assistance. 

China will also continue to coordinate with Jordan regarding the Syria crisis, which has affected the stability and security of the entire region, Xie added.