Syria’s Foreign Ministry has firmly denied reports that it intends to extradite Uyghur fighters to China, following claims that surfaced during Foreign Minister Asaad Al-Shaibani’s official visit to Beijing.

In a statement issued on Monday, Syrian officials dismissed a report by Agence France-Presse (AFP) alleging that Damascus had agreed to repatriate hundreds of Uyghur militants to China in response to a request from Beijing. The report cited unnamed sources claiming that the transfer would occur in stages.

“There is no truth to these allegations,” a Syrian Foreign Ministry source told state news agency SANA, emphasizing that no agreement or discussion regarding the handover of Uyghur individuals had taken place.

The denial comes amid heightened scrutiny over the treatment of Uyghur Muslims, a Turkic ethnic minority from China’s Xinjiang region, many of whom have reportedly joined militant groups in Syria during the country’s prolonged civil war. Human rights organizations have raised concerns that any forced repatriation could expose them to persecution or imprisonment in China.

Foreign Minister Al-Shaibani’s visit to China marks his first official trip since the formation of Syria’s new government. The visit is aimed at strengthening bilateral ties and seeking Chinese support for Syria’s post-war reconstruction efforts.

While both sides have reaffirmed their commitment to deepening cooperation, the Syrian government has reiterated that its policies remain independent and guided by national sovereignty, distancing itself from any claims of external pressure regarding the fate of foreign fighters.

The issue remains sensitive, with international observers calling for transparency and adherence to international human rights standards in dealing with foreign detainees.