The US warns Syria against relying on Chinese technology in its telecommunications sector, citing it as a threat to American interests and national security.
The United States has issued a warning to Syria regarding its potential reliance on Chinese telecommunications technology, stating that this could conflict with US interests and pose a threat to national security. This communication was made during a meeting between US State Department officials and Syrian Communications Minister Abdul Salam Haikal in San Francisco. The ongoing tensions between US and Chinese influence in the Middle East appear to be central to this warning, as the US seeks to limit China's technological footprint in the region.
The US has been closely coordinating with the Damascus government since 2024, following the overthrow of long-time leader Bashar al-Assad by current President Ahmed al-Sharaa, who previously maintained a strategic partnership with China. As Syria looks into possible procurement of Chinese technologies to enhance its telecommunications infrastructure, including support for local internet service providers, Washington is keen to assert its influence in the region. The potential expansion of Chinese technology in Syria not only raises security concerns but is also viewed as a move that could undermine US strategic interests in the Middle East.
The US has requested clarifications from the Syrian side regarding their plans for integrating Chinese technology into their telecommunications networks. This interaction reveals the delicate balance the US must navigate, dealing with a government in Syria that is seeking modernization and support while simultaneously competing against Chinese influence that could further entrench itself in the region. The implications of such partnerships extend beyond telecommunications, potentially affecting the geopolitical landscape in the Middle East significantly.
