China is closely monitoring developments in Syria and urged all parties to prioritize the interests of the Syrian people, Mao Ning, spokesperson for the Chinese foreign ministry, said at a regular press briefing.
“The future and destiny of Syria should be decided by the Syrian people, and we hope that all the relevant parties will find a political solution to restore stability and order as soon as possible,” Mao said.
Her comments came after Syrian opposition groups announced on state television on Sunday that they had ousted Assad, bringing an end to the 50-year rule of his family.
The swift offensive, led by a militia alliance spearheaded by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a former al-Qaeda affiliate, marked a significant shift in the region’s political landscape.
HTS is designated as a terrorist organization by the United Nations.
The takeover of Damascus has intensified concerns about further instability in the Middle East, a region already reeling from ongoing conflicts.