Beirut: On November 6, the Chinese Embassy in Lebanon hosted a media briefing to discuss the outcomes of the Fourth Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and the implications of China’s 15th Five-Year Plan. Ambassador Chen Chuandong provided insights into the CPC’s economic leadership and the potential for China-Lebanon cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative.
According to National News Agency – Lebanon, Ambassador Chen highlighted the significance of the Five-Year Plans in China’s strategic planning process. Since 1953, China has implemented 14 Five-Year Plans, which have been instrumental in transforming the nation into the world’s second-largest economy. The 14th Five-Year Plan, despite global challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic, saw significant economic achievements, including a rise in China’s total economic output and advancements in green development and innovation capacity.
Ambassador Chen emphasized the special significance of the 15th Five-Year Plan, which aims to solidify China’s strategic goal of achieving socialist modernization by 2035. The plan, covering 2026 to 2030, will focus on high-quality development, scientific and technological progress, and comprehensive reform. It also presents opportunities for Lebanon, particularly in industrial and technological cooperation, as China seeks to enhance its international partnerships.
The briefing shed light on the economic opportunities for Lebanon through the Belt and Road Initiative. China, as Lebanon’s largest trading partner, is keen to import more Lebanese products, thereby enriching its domestic market. Additionally, the completion of projects like the National Higher Conservatory of Music symbolizes the deepening of China-Lebanon relations.
In response to questions from Lebanese media, Ambassador Chen elaborated on the potential for technological cooperation, stressing Lebanon’s educational strengths and the role of Chinese companies like Huawei and Dahua Technology in fostering technological growth.
Ambassador Chen also addressed China’s unique approach to development aid, emphasizing partnership over conditional aid. China’s assistance has supported various local projects, from solar energy installations to skills training, aiming to facilitate Lebanon’s economic reconstruction without political conditions.
The briefing concluded with discussions on managing risks and challenges in China-Lebanon cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative, with a focus on policy coordination and people-to-people bonds as foundational pillars for sustainable collaboration.