Syrian President Bashar al-Assad touched down in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, on Thursday to attend the opening ceremony of the 19th Asian Games—marking his first visit to the Chinese mainland in nearly two decades. 🛬 The high-profile arrival has turned heads globally, blending sports diplomacy with international relations.
Hangzhou, a tech hub known for its scenic West Lake and Alibaba headquarters, is rolling out the red carpet for athletes and leaders from over 40 countries and regions. Al-Assad is the second foreign leader confirmed to attend the event, which kicks off Saturday with a grand ceremony at the 'Big Lotus' Olympic Stadium. 🌸🏟️
The Games come at a pivotal moment for Syria, which is rebuilding diplomatic ties after years of conflict. Analysts say Al-Assad's participation signals growing engagement with Asian partners. Meanwhile, spectators can expect jaw-dropping performances, e-sports debuts, and a record-breaking 12,000+ athletes competing—including stars from the Chinese Taipei team. 🎮💫
