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Additionally, the Chinese advanced radar systems are fairly modern and can be safely
assumed to be linked to Syria's potent air defense network of radar and surface-to-air
missiles (SAMs). Such capabilities have allowed Syria to lock on to the fighters of
NATO ally Turkey, and there is even a report that Syria shot down a Turkish F-4 military
jet. (Attached is an article written by an air defense and strategic warfare expert
discussing the presence of advanced Chinese radar in Syria.)
Aside from advanced radars, China is involved in the Syrian civil war in other ways.
Chinese state-owned company NORINCO has been named by Human Rights Watch as
the manufacturer of the chlorine gas deployed by the Assad regime in its chemical
weapons attacks.
Furthermore, the Chinese press has reported that a Syrian Marine soldier posted
pictures on social media noting that Chinese military jeeps (of the Yongshi model) have
arrived to aid the Syrian war effort. (Google translation of the article is attached.)
While certain Western media sources have alleged that China will be joining Russia to
actively aid the Assad regime in the Syrian civil war, Dr. Carson has seen no evidence
of that. In fact, credible sources have confirmed to our campaign that
the Chinese aircraft carrier, the Liaoning, never transited through the region in recent
days despite press reports to the contrary.
Regardless, Dr. Carson's claim that China is exerting its influence and has a presence
in the ongoing Syrian conflict is well-supported by evidence, even if it is not evidence
commonly available to or easily accessible by journalists without the requisite language
skills or knowledge about Chinese military affairs. Even the American press, including
some that have (unfairly) criticized Dr. Carson's comment, has confirmed China's
military assistance to Syria by reporting that Syria is awash with weapons
from China and other countries.
We hope members of the media will conduct more thorough investigations in the future
before making incorrect and unfair allegations against the Carson campaign.