סוריה וסין מהדקות את היחסים ביניהן

Beijing is eyeing better relations with a certain oil-rich nation. The president of Syria joined his Chinese counterpart for talks. Here's a look at what they discussed. Chinese leader Xi Jinping just met his Syrian counterpart, Bashar al-Assad, for the first time after nearly two decades, in the eastern coastal city of Hangzhou on Friday. Assad sought support from his main backer, Beijing. During the meetings, Xi agreed to help boost Syria's economy. China has been expanding its influence in West Asia, Iran and Saudi Arabia as well. As for Syria, the country sits on rich oil and natural gas resources. What drove Assad to ask for Beijing's help? Since 2011, Western sanctions have left Syria diplomatically isolated. Back then, the U.S. accused the regime of clamping down on protesters and of using chemical weapons. Reports described many casualties and millions displaced. To oppose the human rights abuses, U.S. sanctions targeted Syria's government and its supporters, banning almost all exports and barring the nation from accessing U.S. technology. Now, Beijing is voicing plans for closer ties to Syria than ever before. Chinese leader Xi Jinping says the two will firmly support each other.