Syria: Hajar al-Aswad, a ghost town since the 2018 operation to drive out jihadists, has re-emerged as the setting for an action film produced by Jackie Chan. It is located close to the capital of Syria. The evacuation of Chinese and other foreign nationals from the conflict in Yemen in 2015 seen as a major achievement for Beijing.
Although the script only makes reference to a fictional nation named "Poman", Yemen was considered too dangerous as a location to shoot the film, and some scenes are currently being shot in Syria. The film is also backed by an Emirati production company.
On Thursday, a mismatched cast of Yemeni tribal costumes, uniformed Syrian extras, and polo-clad Chinese film crew members crowded the ruins of Hajar al-Aswad.
The film presents itself as a blockbuster that will praise the merits of the Chinese government's role in a valiant evacuation.
Director Yinxi Song confirmed the promotional nature of the film, while his crew set up their equipment and tanks in a hastily changed outfit.
He explained, "It takes the point of view of diplomats who are members of the Communist Party, who fired bullets into a country that was in the middle of a war and safely sent all Chinese compatriots safely on board the country's warship. brought.
China's ambassador to Syria, one of the few countries to maintain cordial diplomatic relations with President Bashar al-Shane Assad, was present for the start of the shooting, which is expected to last a few days.
For the brief ceremony, a red banner with the words "Peace and Love" in three different languages ​​was hoisted. Another banner was placed in front of a tank.
Both regions turned into key flashpoints in the civil war that began in Syria in 2011 and were at one point at least partly under the control of the Islamic State organization.
Syria's war-torn areas have been converted into film studios. According to Rawad Shaheen director of home operations these areas attract filmmakers.
Syria is a target of several international sanctions and is also involved in unexplained armament, making it the world leader in landmine deaths last year.
In 2015, Chinese Navy ships on anti-piracy patrols were diverted to Yemen after officials at the time estimated hundreds of people stranded by the escalating conflict from ten different countries.
Beijing described the then successful operation as a proud moment for its navy, a testament to its humanitarian principles and an example of its growing global influence.
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