Chinese Ambassador's Visit to Sidon: Projects Will Be Implemented Once Stability Returns to Lebanon

The Chinese Ambassador to Lebanon, Chen Chuan Dong, during a visit to Sidon, met with Ms. Bahia al-Hariri, Deputy Chair of the Future Movement and Head of the Hariri Foundation for Sustainable Development, at her residence in Al-Haliliya; Mr. Ali Al-Abdallah, President of the Lebanese-Chinese Businessmen and Women Association; Acting Governor of South Lebanon and Nabatiye, Mansour Dweik; Acting Mayor of Sidon, Dr. Ahmad Aqra; and Mayor of Haret Sidon, Mustafa Zain. The ambassador was accompanied by political attaché Mr. Wu Shoutao, commercial attaché Mr. Zhang Hao, cultural attaché Mr. Pan Bai, and protocol officer Mr. He Xiao Heng.

During his visits, the Chinese ambassador emphasized that "Lebanon is a partner in China's Belt and Road Initiative, and the Lebanese and Chinese governments signed a memorandum of understanding on this matter in 2017." He added that "once stability returns to Lebanon, it will be appropriate to adopt a rapid path for project implementation."

The ambassador and his delegation concluded the tour with a dinner hosted by Ali Al-Abdallah at his residence, attended by prominent economic, security, and social figures from Sidon and members of the Lebanese-Chinese Businessmen and Women Association.

The Chinese ambassador spoke about Sino-Lebanese relations, stating that "Lebanon enjoys a unique geographical location and possesses expertise, and Lebanese people have a special ability in creativity." He stressed that "these are the areas China seeks to cooperate in, along with services, creativity, and other sectors that can be explored to enhance cooperation, including strengthening ties with the business community."

He continued: "We have many joint projects between China and Lebanon. Of course, trade between the two countries continues to grow despite challenges, and we strive to support Lebanon in areas where we can assist."

In May, we delivered a shipment of humanitarian aid containing essential supplies for shelters and displaced families. We are also working to secure a new shipment focused on the health sector. Over the past two years, we have provided solar power systems to key industries and sectors, including Ogero, enabling them to power their stations with electricity—marking a transition to renewable energy and reducing energy bills. Additionally, the embassy is implementing smaller projects with government bodies, municipalities, and NGOs across Lebanon, donating solar-powered street lighting in southern regions and other mountainous areas. We have also donated medical equipment to certain centers. We have numerous activities and projects underway, doing our utmost best, and we impose no conditions on aid delivery, respecting the will of the Lebanese people."

The Chinese ambassador continued: "The Chinese-funded Conservatory project will become a new landmark in Lebanon and the region. We believe it reflects Lebanon as a cultural hub with an ancient heritage, flexibility, and strength—this is the message we wish to convey to our friends in Lebanon and around the world. It also sends a message that we must not remain trapped in crises, but continue life with strength and positivity. I also hope this project becomes a platform for greater cultural exchanges between China and Lebanon, and between China and the Arab world."

He said: "As China’s ambassador, my activities focus on representing my country in a friendly and close neighbor. This year marks the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations, and we look forward to expanding cooperation across multiple fields."

On the political level, we continue building trust between both sides and closely collaborate with Lebanon on peacekeeping efforts in the south.

On the economic and trade front, we work to encourage both sides to strengthen ties while providing assistance. On the cultural level, countless opportunities for collaboration lie ahead, as both China and Lebanon are rooted in rich historical civilizations, sharing many common values. Moreover, youth in both countries show strong interest in deepening bilateral relations."

Ali Al-Abdallah

From his side, Al-Abdallah welcomed the Chinese ambassador, saying: "Sino-Lebanese relations have been built on mutual respect and trust—a hallmark of China’s approach to forging distinctive relationships. China extends hands of friendship and respect to friendly nations and tirelessly works to solidify these ties, believing firmly in the importance of openness, cooperation, and mutual respect among states."

Since the establishment of Sino-Lebanese relations, China has consistently supported Lebanon across all fields and stood alongside it in international forums."

He added: "Celebrating this year the 55th anniversary of relations between our two countries is not merely a commemoration of a long journey of cooperation, but a historic turning point demanding reflection on how to develop relations with a nation now at the pinnacle of global technology and artificial intelligence. This milestone offers us a chance to look toward the future and strive to build a deeper and more substantial phase of cooperation between our two friendly nations."

He continued: "We at the Lebanese-Chinese Businessmen and Women Association believe the private sector can serve as a fundamental bridge between our countries. Strengthening economic, commercial, and cultural ties must form the foundation of future relations. We must not forget that the Lebanese private sector preceded formal diplomatic relations, having actively pursued opportunities for development nearly 70 years ago. Diplomatic relations later formalized what the private sector had already initiated."

He affirmed: "Today, we must work to increase Lebanese exports to China, boost knowledge and commercial exchange, and most importantly, encourage Chinese investment in Lebanon by opening doors for cooperation across all sectors. We should also open avenues for Lebanese companies to access Chinese markets and deepen collaboration in areas such as technology, energy, and infrastructure."

The ambassador concluded: "All these projects serve to deepen Lebanon’s engagement with China’s Belt and Road Initiative. We look forward to translating the friendship between our two sides into concrete partnerships and projects that benefit both Lebanon and China, paving the way for a new era of cooperation."

Sidonian Stops

During his visit to the Acting Governor of South Lebanon and Nabatiye, Mansour Dweik, accompanied by Ali Al-Abdallah and attended by Colonel Ahmed Abu Daher, Regional Commander of the Internal Security Forces in the South, Ambassador Chen Chuan Dong stated: "My country remains committed to supporting Lebanon in achieving its sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity, while enhancing mutual cooperation."

He added: "This is not my first visit to the city of Sidon, but it is the first official visit within the scope of my duties as China’s ambassador. It provided an opportunity to align our goals on developing and strengthening cooperation between our two countries, particularly at the level of South Lebanon and the city of Sidon."

As for Governor Dweik, he welcomed the ambassador, saying: "His visit to Sidon represents a highly significant milestone in enhancing relations, cooperation, building trust, and establishing new lines of work between our sides."

Then, the ambassador and his delegation, accompanied by Al-Abdallah, visited Acting Mayor of Sidon, Dr. Ahmad Aqra, attended by municipal council members: Braya al-Hariri, Inji Atrooni, Majid Abd al-Jawad, Ahmad Shuayb, and Wafa Shuayb, Director of the Municipal Disaster and Crisis Management Cell. During the meeting, they discussed the current state of the city and ongoing developmental and humanitarian challenges.

Subsequently, the ambassador met with Mayor of Haret Sidon, Mustafa Zain, accompanied by his deputy Ahmad Fayez Saleh, Al-Abdallah, municipal council members, Deputy Chairman of the Sidon Traders Association Hassan Fadl Saleh, and several local merchants and community figures.

During the meeting, Zain highlighted Haret Sidon as a model of diversity, coexistence, and social solidarity, affirming that the municipality is committed to building communication and cooperation channels with friendly nations and peoples, especially the People’s Republic of China, and leveraging its experience and expertise in areas that can contribute to local development."

From his side, Ambassador Chen Chuan Dong expressed his pleasure at visiting the Haret Sidon Municipality, thanking the mayor, council members, and residents for their warm reception.

At the end of the meeting, Haret Sidon Municipality presented a commemorative plaque to the ambassador in recognition of his efforts and role in strengthening friendship and cooperation between Lebanon and the People’s Republic of China. A second plaque was also awarded to Ali Al-Abdallah in appreciation of his role in promoting Lebanese-Chinese relations and communication.

Haret Sidon Municipality affirmed that "this visit represented a significant opportunity to strengthen communication and open new channels for cooperation, and that it looks forward to following up on ideas and proposals discussed, serving the common interest and supporting the local development process within the legal and administrative frameworks established under the Lebanese Republic."