Some people here at FR are claiming this is all about Russia and the Gulf States trying to sell natural gas to Europe.
Why would the Chinese get involved in that?
A pipeline to a Syrian port would probably cut some expense, but they’d still have to load it on a ship to go across the Mediterranean.
And why would Assad not want a natural gas pipeline running through his country and natural gas being loaded at his port? He would get a cut.
Saudi Arabia along Turkey, Qatar and other Gulf States initially wanted the Gas Pipeline that goes through Syria.
Looks like that is not going to happen. Russia is building a major forward operating base in Syria, and will probably go into Iraq for the Oil. They could care less about ISIS, but that is the excuse.
As for why China is involved is because they are in Africa, and like Russia they want the Oil too.
Finally Iran, Russia and China all want us out of the Middle East IMO. They are going to take the oil in Iraq too.
This is more about Russia wanting access to a friendly port in the Med. where else are they going to go?