China stands to benefit from Assad’s imminent visit, regardless of whether it chooses to back his faltering regime. Syria continues to retain economic prospects, notably in sectors where Chinese firms like CNPC, Sinopec, and Sinochem have previously ventured. Nevertheless, given the political instability in Syria, I believe that Xi Jinping is leveraging the visit primarily to signal to the West his readiness to play the Syrian card.

Despite Syria not being a priority for most global powers, it’s far from irrelevant. It is important to note that China has exercised its veto power on ten UN Security Council resolutions pertaining to Syria, a stark contrast to its history of vetoing only six resolutions on other matters since assuming its UN seat in 1971.

More on China’s historical and current interests in Syria in my 2021 paper with Samy Akil.