China voices concern over Syrian appointments of ETIM fighters to senior military roles

China has expressed serious concern over the Syrian government’s recent decision to appoint foreign terrorist fighters, particularly from the East Turkestan Islamic Movement (ETIM), to senior military positions. ETIM, a banned militant group, is active in China’s restive Xinjiang province.

Fu Cong, China’s permanent representative to the UN, raised these concerns during a UN Security Council briefing on Syria. He criticized the Syrian regime for promoting several foreign militants, including members of the ETIM, into high-ranking military positions. Fu urged Syria to fulfill its counter-terrorism obligations and prevent any terrorist groups from using its territory to threaten other nations' security.

Reports indicate that the Syrian Army, under the leadership of de facto head Ahmed al-Sharaa, has recently appointed 50 new military officials, six of whom are foreign fighters, including ETIM members. Among the new appointees are Chinese Uighurs, a Jordanian, and a Turkish national, all promoted to positions such as colonels and brigadier-generals.

The restructuring of Syria’s military is believed to be orchestrated by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), an Islamist group now in control of the country after the overthrow of former President Bashar al-Assad. These appointments appear to be rewards for fighters who helped bring down Assad's regime.

For China, the ETIM’s presence in Syria is particularly alarming. The group is accused of orchestrating militant attacks in Xinjiang, where Uighur Muslims have long been dissatisfied with the settlement of ethnic Han Chinese. Beijing has responded by deploying heavy security forces in the region for over a decade. Additionally, China remains wary of the ETIM's influence in Afghanistan, where the group may find refuge under the Taliban regime.

Fu Cong emphasized the critical state of affairs in Syria, calling for greater international cooperation to support the country in achieving stability and development.