China, U.S. actually share more than many think on Syria

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China, U.S. actually share more than many think on Syria

By Qi Wei (Xinhua) 10:56, September 21, 2013

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With top Chinese and U.S. diplomats having in-depth exchanges of views on the Syria issue in Washington, it is worth noting that the two countries actually share more than many think in seeking an ultimate solution to the Syria crisis.

Though the two nations, in Secretary of State John Kerry's words, have "disagreed sharply" over the issue concerning the use of chemical weapons in Syria, China has shown understanding of the U.S. concerns over removing chemical weapons and restoring peace and order in the war-battered country.

Welcoming the U.S.-Russia framework agreement on ridding Syria of chemical weapons, China hopes that the process of verifying and destroying Syria's stockpile of chemical weapons will start soon. And Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi pledged China's "positive and constructive role" to that end.

On the other hand, the United States, as Chinese analysts pointed out, needs to give adequate consideration to China's concerns.

Though the UN fact-finding group has confirmed the chemical weapons attack in Syria on Aug. 21, the perpetrators have yet to be identified.

In contrast with Washington and its allies' claim that the Syrian government troops launched chemical attacks, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov announced that Russia possesses enough evidence of the Syrian opposition using chemical weapons.

If a U.S. military strike manages to tip the balance in favor of the opposition fighters, some of whom allegedly maintain dubious links with extremists or even al-Qaida members, the chemical weapons stockpile will very likely fall into the wrong hands.

In that case, there will never be days of peace in Syria and the Middle East at large. That surely isn't in the U.S. national interests and will instead greatly undermine the U.S. credibility.

Both permanent members of the United Nations Security Council, China and the United States share a lot of common ground over the Syria issue.

The two are pursuing a common objective of destroying Syria's chemical stockpile and working out an ultimate political solution to restore peace long awaited by the Syrian people.

Shelving differences and accommodating each other's concerns, China and the United states will be able to accomplish much during the 68th session of the UN General Assembly.

With joint efforts, a short cut might be found towards a political solution to the Syria crisis.