Resource：http://en.shisu.edu.cn/resources/news/youth-in-flames-of-war-a-chinese-diplomat-in-syria
This article tells us the four years’ experience of a Chinese diplomat in Syria, and it also sends his good wishes to all SISUers at home and abroad. Yuan Quan graduated from Shanghai International Studies University (SISU) in 2007 and got a master’s degree in Arabic studies in 2009. He worked in the Chinese embassy in Syria from 2010 to 2014.
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amascus, the capital of Syria, once was likened to heaven in the Arabia ancient book, has been placed in jeopardy since 2011. Over the past four years, this land still suffered from the political storm, the sounds of guns and bombs, the roars of fighter jets and helicopters drowned this paradise, reminding people that this country was being tortured by war.
Sorrow and misery lingering above the whole nation, people there struggled for their living. All the basic necessities like bread and gas were out of supply due to western economic sanctions. Blackouts became routine there. Only several dim lights can be seen at night. Mobile phones and networks signal were constantly unstable. This place became an isolated island.
Under this circumstance, most foreign embassies in Syria evacuated, but Chinese embassy stayed there. Yuan Quan was one of the ambassadors who chose to stay, and he spent four years there.
Li Gang, Yuan’s roommate in college, praised Yuan as a clever, arduous, keen, and brave person, and his four-year life in Syria is the best proof of these qualities.
Yuan took the duty of airport shuttle mission, and the airport was 30km away from the capital. Since late 2012, armed conflict near the airport upgraded, his 30 minutes’ drive often fraught with danger. Every time, he saw black smokes not far away, armed helicopters circling overhead and tanks just a whisker away.
Since the end of 2011, Damascus suffered car bomb attacks, causing thousands of casualties. Syria authorities banned container trucks into the city for security consideration. At that time China sent a container with important equipment to Syria, and the embassy had to pick it up in the suburb.
Yuan and other two native employees went to Hala Starr City, which was in a conflict. When they arrived there, Yuan saw a Syrian forces car, he showed his identity and asked for help without hesitation. After they arrived at the embassy, Yuan found his car seat was wet with sweat.
Yuan also solved the imminent problem of fuel shortage in the embassy through hardship.
Yuan reported only good news to his family, like his coworkers. He overcame obstacles on his own. Yuan had fears, sadness and tiresome but no complains or regrets. Cui Linjie, a peer of Yuan said that he was a trusted friend and knew where he is heading.
Because of the four years in Syria, Yuan understood the responsibility and sense of mission as a diplomatic agent, the importance of peace and stability, and the power of life, dream and conviction.
