After American lawmakers voted to continue US troop deployments in Syria, China slammed on Friday the US military occupation of Syria, stressing that it has only deepened the country’s humanitarian crisis.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning urged Washington at a Friday press briefing to immediately end the troops ‘illegal occupation and plundering – as Beijing calls for US military presence in Syria – and repeal crippling sanctions targeting the Syrian economy.
Beijing called Washington to drop US economic penalties because they’re interfering with relief efforts in the wake of the recent earthquake disaster and allowing for much-needed aid to enter Syria unimpeded.
Pointing out that Washington’s military operations in Syria have taken away a large number of innocent civilian lives and caused grave humanitarian disasters since the US began its interference in the Syrian crisis, Mao reminded that the United Nations and other international bodies have repeatedly criticized the US for indiscriminate attacks that may amount to a war crime.
She also implored Washington to stop aggravating humanitarian disasters in Syria – where more than 7,000 people died in a recent earthquake- and to respect other countries’ sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity.
Previously in January, Beijing cited Syria’s local government statistics asserting that US troops have smuggled out of the country more than 80% of Syria’s daily oil output in the first half of 2022, accusing Washington of banditry and plundering.
China has long warned about the alleged oil theft by US forces stationed in the resource-rich northeast of Syria, where they cooperate with Kurdish militia groups.
Amid strong bipartisan opposition, legislators voted down on Wednesday the Republican-sponsored War Powers Resolution that critics argued could lead to the resurgence of terrorist groups like Islamic State.
Noting that Congress never voted to authorize the years-long deployment in the first place, Florida Republican Matt Gaetz- introduced legislation seeking a full withdrawal of American soldiers within a period of six months.
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