The Heat: Syria joins China’s Belt and Road Initiative

The Heat

Featured Video Play Icon

War-torn Syria has officially joined China’s Belt and Road Initiative.

The move revives an old role of Syria in the ancient Silk Road – coming at a time of deep economic turmoil and a country badly in need of reconstruction. Attacks on infrastructure, including markets, hospitals and schools, have led to estimates of more than 350,000 civilians killed and half of the pre-war population displaced.

To discuss the potential impact of stronger economic ties between China and Syria: 

  • Victor Gao is a current affairs commentator and chair professor at Soochow University.
  • Joshua Landis is a chair professor and the director of the University of Oklahoma’s Center for Middle East Studies. 
  • Adnan Nasser is an independent Middle East analyst.
  • Bassam Abu Abdallah is a former Syrian government official. He currently heads the Baath Party Central School of Syria.

For more: