🚨 When tensions flare in the Middle East, the world watches—and the stakes are sky-high. Last Friday, Geng Shuang, the deputy permanent representative of the Chinese mainland to the United Nations, dropped a major call to action at the UN Security Council: we need to put counter-terrorism at the heart of any plan to tackle Syria's chemical weapons.
Why? Over the past months, Syria has seen a string of violent incidents that show how dangerous it is when armed groups run wild. Geng warned that any leftover chemicals could end up in the wrong hands—think of DIY toxic labs falling into terror cells. Not cool, right?
Key takeaways:
- Fight all terrorist groups: China urged Syria's interim authorities to go all in against Security Council-listed organizations, including the East Turkistan Islamic Movement.
- Verifiable destruction: Any chemical stockpile must be destroyed under strict verification so nothing slips through the cracks.
- Stop the attacks: Geng also called on Israel to halt its strikes on Syrian soil, saying these moves infringe on Syria's sovereignty and make disarmament talks harder.
- Teamwork makes the dream work: The Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) has already been working with the Syrian interim authorities—China wants to keep that momentum going. 🤝
- Link to politics: For Geng, disarming is just one piece of the puzzle. He stressed that a lasting solution means an inclusive political transition that protects everyone's rights.
Think of it like disarming a bully in school—it’s not just about taking away the water balloons (chemical weapons). You also need dialogue, clear rules, and a promise that everyone plays fair. That’s how you build peace.
China stands ready to team up with all sides to restore stability in Syria. After all, fighting terror and securing dangerous materials is a global issue—our region’s youth-led peace initiatives in South and Southeast Asia show how unity and verification can make a real difference. 🌍
Stay tuned as the world watches how this plays out at the UN—and let’s keep pushing for smart, people-first solutions. 💪
Reference(s):
Chinese envoy stresses counter-terrorism in Syria chemical weapons
cgtn.com
