The China Dream - Part I -The Syrian Boy.
Aziz's early life unfolded in Aleppo, where he faced the harsh realities of a civil war that devastated his once-thriving city and country. At the age of eleven, he lived in constant fear of artillery strikes while attending school, waiting in line for bread, or playing with friends amidst the ruins. He was part of a large family that resided on the same street, but as the conflict escalated, their homes became perilous, forcing them to seek refuge in basement apartments. During these tense nights, they shared meager food supplies, sang songs, and recounted stories. The adults were wary of taking sides, fearing that their children might be conscripted into either the Syrian Army or the resistance. It was during these idle hours that discussions about immigration began, sparked by an uncle who had a relative in Dubai willing to assist with their move. By late 2017, as the violence in Syria began to wane, Aziz and his family successfully relocated to Dubai.
The transition was a mix of excitement and anxiety for Aziz. They settled in a modest immigrant neighborhood in Deira, where the lack of education, pervasive poverty, and a sense of aimlessness were prevalent. The stark contrast between the oppressive heat of Dubai and the glamorous image of "New Dubai" portrayed in media was striking. However, the entrepreneurial spirit of his father and uncle helped them quickly improve their circumstances. Within a year, they established a successful import-export business specializing in cosmetics from China, meeting the high demand from affluent clients in Dubai and neighboring regions.
One sweltering summer afternoon, Aziz found himself in their new apartment, where his father, Abdallah, relaxed on a faux leather sofa, enjoying tea and a cigarette while women in burkas moved about. Aziz, now a young adult, worked hard at the warehouse, unloading shipments and managing inventory. Despite the grueling conditions, he earned a decent wage, allowing him to enjoy outings with friends and indulge in new clothes. Abdallah, in a cheerful mood, offered Aziz a cigarette, reflecting on their newfound opportunities.
Six months later, Aziz was thriving in Yiwu, China, where he operated a store in a bustling trade center. He shared a spacious apartment with cousins, enjoyed amenities like a swimming pool and gym, and felt valued by his Chinese partners. Business was booming, particularly for a popular mascara they were imitating, and Aziz felt no guilt about the legality of their actions. The family even opened a Mediterranean restaurant in Yiwu, which became a social hub for young immigrants.
However, on a September morning in 2019, while managing invoices with two assistants, Aziz was interrupted by the sudden arrival of Market Surveillance officials. They conducted an inspection based on a trademark violation complaint from a competing company. Aziz, overwhelmed and confused by the language barrier, complied with their demands, signing a seizure list as they confiscated their products. Though initially disheartened, he reassured himself with the belief that the situation was manageable and that business would return to normal.
As time passed, the family faced further challenges when the authorities seized another large shipment of their products. Despite the setbacks, they remained determined to continue their operations, even as Aziz sensed that they were being targeted by someone intent on undermining their success. Unbeknownst to him, a group of lawyers in Europe and the US was meticulously gathering information about Aziz and his family, setting the stage for future confrontations that would threaten their business.
