Something big is happening under the surface, but we have no idea what is going on.  Basically, security-intelligence.org’s article “DEBKAfile Exclusive Report: A Chinese aircraft carrier docks at Tartus to support Russian-Iranian military buildup” suggests that China’s aircraft carrier Liaoning has docked at Syrian port Tartus to back the Russians up on building up forces in Syria for fighting against ISIS.  I’m not very well informed with the Middle East and Syria situations at all, but this news tells me that united force building of Russia, China, and Iran in this region prepares for something big.  Perhaps, fighting ISIS is only a piece of the puzzle, because ISIS isn’t strong enough to encourage China, Russia and Iran to combine forces and take actions in this region.  Without China in the picture, I think the overall picture of the Syrian conflict was murky but somewhat clearer than how it’s now.  Meanwhile, China is cooperating with the United States in boosting trades and agreeing on cyber security.  Nonetheless, geopolitically, China is helping out Russia and Iran in securing Bashar Assad’s power in Syria.