Uyghur Militants in Syria Challenge China’s Diplomacy

Source: The post Uyghur Militants in Syria Challenge China’s Diplomacy has been created, based on the article “Feminism for polarised times” published in “The Hindu” on 15 April 2025. Uyghur Militants in Syria Challenge China’s Diplomacy.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper2- International Relations

Context: The fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime and the rise of Ahmed al-Sharaa in Syria have created a serious strategic concern for China. Uyghur militants, once linked to jihadist groups, have been integrated into Syria’s formal military. This change challenges China’s counter-terror goals and weakens its diplomatic influence in West Asia.

China’s Recent Diplomatic Gains in the Arab World

1. China has shown consistent support for Arab positions on Gaza, including by hosting Hamas and other Palestinian groups in Beijing.
2. These moves have improved China’s standing in Arab public opinion, with surveys indicating greater popularity than the U.S. in the region.
3. China’s support has boosted its geopolitical influence and allowed it to project itself as a key diplomatic player in the Middle East.
4. Direct engagement with Palestinian causes has helped China counterbalance Western influence, especially that of the U.S.

Rise of Uyghur Militants in ‘New’ Syria

1. Uyghur fighters from the East Turkistan Islamic Movement (ETIM), also called the Turkistan Islamic Party (TIP), now hold formal ranks in Syria’s military.
2. This happened after Ahmed al-Sharaa (formerly Abu Mohammed al-Jolani) and his group Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) took over Damascus without resistance.
3. These militants had strong ties with IS and al-Qaeda, and were featured in propaganda targeting Assad’s regime and China.
4. In 2025, about 2,000 Uyghur fighters are reported to be active in Syria.
5. Notably, Abdulaziz Dawood Khodaberdi (Zahid), a former ETIM commander, is now a senior military officerin Syria.

Beijing’s Strategic Concerns and Historical Context

1. China has long used the global war on terror narrative to target Uyghur militancy, especially in Xinjiang.
2. In 2002, the U.S. labeled ETIM a terrorist group, aligning with China’s position.
3. But in 2020, the U.S. delisted ETIM, claiming no credible evidence of its activity existed.
4. China worked with the Taliban in Afghanistan to relocate Uyghur fighters away from its border in Badakhshan.
5. In contrast, Syria’s new regime has promoted Uyghurs, creating a diplomatic rupture for China.

Western and Regional Powers Reshape Syria’s Future

1. Western countries and regional allies are engaging with Al Sharaa to stabilize Syria and prevent refugee flows.
2. These moves aim to limit the influence of China, Russia, and Iran in Syria.
3. Many former terrorists are now taking on official political roles, complicating the global security framework.
4. China’s relations with Israel have worsened due to its stance on Gaza.
5. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia and the UAE have accepted Al Sharaa’s regime and reduced criticism of China’s Xinjiang policy, leaving Beijing diplomatically isolated.

Conclusion

The elevation of Uyghur militants into Syria’s formal military is a major security and diplomatic setback for China. This shift reflects how changing regional power structures and great-power rivalries are reshaping global fault lines, forcing China to rethink its strategy in West Asia.

Question for practice:

Discuss how the integration of Uyghur militants into Syria’s military impacts China’s security and diplomatic interests in West Asia.