China could play key role in rebuilding Syria

Washington

WESTERN powers are reluctant to help rebuild Syria after its civil war, because they think the wrong side won. Russia and Iran played a major part in that outcome - but they can't afford a bill estimated at a quarter-trillion US dollars.

Enter China?

Qin Yong, vice-president of the China-Arab Exchange Association, said he sees burgeoning interest among Chinese companies. "We get phone queries every day," he revealed. "They see huge business potential there, because the entire country needs to be rebuilt."

The enthusiasm is reciprocated on the Syrian side, according to Mr Qin. "They're like, don't come tomorrow, come tonight!"

As the 6 1/2-year war winds down, with Bashar Assad still in power, the battle for influence in Syria has shifted to the diplomatic arena. Reconstruction, which the United …