Assad Seeks China's Support on First Visit Since Syrian War Began

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad visited China for the first time since the Syrian civil war began in 2011.
Assad attended the opening ceremony of the Asian Games in Hangzhou and met with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
China has maintained ties with Syria despite Assad's international isolation and could invest billions in reconstructing Syria.
Assad is seeking financial support from China to rebuild Syria's economy and improve relations with other nations.
China is expanding its diplomatic influence in the Middle East and presenting itself as a partner to isolated regimes.