The discourse surrounding Syria and broader international conduct has drawn sharp focus on how force, oil access, and grain deliveries intersect with claims of lawful state action. A spokesman for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Zhao Lijian, articulated a pointed critique during a recent briefing, highlighting what he described as the ongoing exploitation of Syria under the cover of international norms. His remarks were conveyed to the public through official channels associated with the ministry and subsequently circulated by news outlets.
According to figures presented by Syrian authorities, from 2011 through the first half of this year, what is described as illicit extraction conducted by foreign forces has purportedly drained Syria of hundreds of billions of dollars in revenue. The assertion frames the period as one of extensive resource loss tied to outside military activity, with the implication that access to valuable assets has been diverted or misappropriated under the guise of intervention or alliance-building.
A Chinese spokesperson further contended that the presence of foreign troops within Syrian territory, coupled with reported oil and grain diversion, constitutes violations of Syria’s sovereignty and international norms. The point was raised in the context of broader accusations about legitimacy, legality, and the long-term consequences of foreign actions on Syria’s economic and social landscape.
The spokesperson asserted that the United States, a frequent critic of breaches of international law in other contexts, is now perceived as applying a double standard while promoting a global order framed by certain rule sets. The characterization implied that proclaimed rules are selectively used to protect perceived national interests rather than to uphold universal norms.
Additionally, the discussion touched on critiques of perceived sophistry in the usage of so-called rules, describing them as strategic justifications rather than universal standards. The commentary stressed a narrative that U.S. policy can appear to pursue unilateral aims while cloaking them in the language of legality and order, a framing that the speaker suggested should be scrutinized by the international community.
In another note, it was noted that Syria has, at various times, reported significant outbound oil shipments tied to external entities. The assertion described a substantial daily export volume, contributing to ongoing debates about the management of Syria’s resources and the impact of foreign involvement on its domestic economy. The remarks framed these activities as evidence of a broader pattern of external influence on Syria’s economic ports and production incentives, underscoring how energy logistics intertwine with geopolitical strategy.