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China backs Assad before Syrian forces open fire at funeral
Beijing’s deputy foreign minister argues for ‘stability’ as regime continues to target protesters
China has expressed support for President Bashar al-Assad’s regime as Syrian security forces continue to target pro-democracy protesters.
The endorsement of Assad by Chinese deputy foreign minister Zhai Jun on Saturday came shortly before Syrian troops opened fire on a funeral procession in Damascus.
Zhai, who met Syrian opposition and government representatives before backing Assad, said China was “deeply concerned by the escalating crisis” but added that “the Chinese experience shows a nation cannot develop without stability”.
The Chinese official said his government supported Syria’s plan for a referendum on constitutional reform next week. “China supports the path of reform taking place in Syria and the important steps that have been taken in this respect,” he said.
A few hours later, Syrian forces opened fire on the funeral of three men killed by security forces on Friday, killing at least one person.
“They started firing at the crowd right after the burial. People are running and trying to take cover in the alleyways,” a witness told Reuters by telephone.
Pictured: An image grab taken from a video uploaded to YouTube showing Syrian mourners coming under fire. Photograph: -/AFP/Getty Images
