From the Heart of Beirut... China Affirms: Supporting the Lebanese Army and Strengthening Partnership Are a Priority

The Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Lebanon marked the 99th anniversary of the founding of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army during a reception hosted by Senior Colonel Liu Zhao, the military attaché, at the Central Military Club in Ain El Mreisseh, in the presence of a broad official, military, and diplomatic audience.

Among those attending the occasion were Finance Minister Yassine Jaber and Chinese Ambassador to Lebanon Qian Xuandong, alongside representatives of the Lebanese Army Command, the Internal Security Forces, security agencies, and a number of political, media, economic, and military figures.

In his remarks, the Chinese military attaché stressed that relations between the Lebanese and Chinese armies are built on “solid friendship and ongoing cooperation,” noting that Beijing attaches great importance to developing cooperation with the Lebanese military institution in the fields of training, exchange of expertise, official visits, and peacekeeping.

Zhao pointed out that the 99th anniversary of the founding of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army coincides this year with the 81st anniversary of the founding of the Lebanese Army, considering the occasion an opportunity to strengthen ties between the two countries and peoples.

He also referred to the participation of Chinese forces in the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) for the past twenty years, affirming that more than 8,800 Chinese personnel have taken part in peacekeeping missions in Lebanon and have carried out humanitarian projects, medical services, and support initiatives benefiting a number of Lebanese regions.

The military attaché underscored China’s commitment to the principle of peaceful development and to continuing its contribution to supporting international security and stability, affirming that the Chinese army will continue to play its roles in peacekeeping operations, humanitarian assistance, and defense cooperation.

At the conclusion of his remarks, Zhao expressed his appreciation to the Lebanese Army and Lebanon’s security forces for their cooperation and support, voicing hope that relations between China and Lebanon, and between the two countries’ armies, will witness further development and consolidation in the coming period.