Ali El Abdallah On the Anniversary Celebrations of the Founding of China and Lebanese-Chinese Relations:The Greatness of China's Growth: A Historic Lesson for All Nations
Ali El Abdallah On the Anniversary Celebrations of the Founding of China and Lebanese-Chinese Relations:
The Greatness of China's Growth: A Historic Lesson for All Nations
Ali Mahmoud El Abdallah, President of the Lebanese Chinese Business Association, participated in the reception hosted by the Chinese Embassy in Lebanon to mark the 77th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China and the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Lebanon and China.
Chinese Ambassador to Lebanon Chen Chuandong welcomed the participants at the celebration, which was attended by a large gathering of official, political, diplomatic, and economic figures, led by representatives of the President of the Republic, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and the Prime Minister. The event also brought together a number of current and former ministers and MPs, Arab and foreign ambassadors, heads of diplomatic missions, and representatives of the military, security, economic, social, and media sectors.
In his address, Ambassador Chen Chuandong said: "Over the past 77 years, the People's Republic of China has made a giant leap from widespread poverty to becoming the world's second-largest economy. It has continuously opened up and developed the path of socialism with Chinese characteristics, making outstanding contributions to promoting peace and development for humanity."
Regarding relations with Lebanon, he added: "The People's Republic of China and the Lebanese Republic established diplomatic relations on November 9, 1971. From the remarkable journey of 55 years of friendship and cooperation, we can draw several lessons. First, mutual respect and equal treatment. We believe that all countries, regardless of their size, strength, or wealth, should respect one another and treat each other as equals."
He continued: "Second, facing storms together. We remember that following the devastating earthquake in Wenchuan, China, Lebanon extended a helping hand, touching the hearts of those affected. Whether during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Beirut port explosion, or armed conflicts, China has responded each time by providing urgent assistance to Lebanon."
He further stated: "Third, mutually beneficial cooperation through mutual consultation. In the early days of our diplomatic relations, the volume of trade was only US$10 million, and it increased 280-fold to reach US$2.8 billion in 2025. During the first seven months of this year, bilateral trade reached US$1.526 billion, with Lebanese exports growing by approximately 30 percent."
He concluded: "Fourth, harmony and mutual learning among civilizations. The Silk Road brought together two ancient civilizations more than 2,000 years ago. Both countries advocate peaceful coexistence, harmony, and mutual learning among civilizations."
In a statement on the sidelines of the event, El Abdallah emphasized that celebrating these two occasions "goes far beyond a symbolic or protocol-based celebration. Rather, it is a clear testament to the deep historical roots and strength of Lebanese-Chinese relations, as well as the enduring friendship that unites the two peoples and countries."
El Abdallah noted that "this occasion is a highly significant milestone, reaffirming the strength of the Chinese model and the remarkable Chinese intellect, which in recent years has skillfully and successfully transformed China into a leading global power across technological, economic, commercial, developmental, and innovative fields. The 77th anniversary of the founding of China this year once again highlights the greatness of this exceptional growth, which may have no historical equivalent for a rising nation that has secured its leading position in the world with stability and wisdom."
He continued: "The greatness of China's growth is a historic lesson for all nations, and a brief look at some of China's achievements is enough to understand why. Over the past four decades, China has succeeded in lifting more than 800 million people out of poverty, achieving an extraordinary increase in its gross domestic product from approximately US$150 billion in 1978 to more than US$19 trillion in 2025, according to figures from the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank. China has become the world's second-largest economy and the largest contributor to global economic growth. It also leads the world in most areas of manufacturing, artificial intelligence, innovation, patents, modern technology, renewable energy, and other sectors."
El Abdallah stressed Lebanon's continued commitment to strengthening bilateral relations, stating: "In Lebanon, we remain committed to our partners and emphasize our historic friendship with China, because this Republic has proven to be a true friend, a partner in fruitful cooperation, and a country open to nations across the world. China is one of the few great powers that is committed to building relations on the basis of equality, parity, shared interests, and mutual respect among nations, in order to achieve balanced development, benefit, and prosperity for all peoples."
He continued: "China adopts a policy of maximum and comprehensive openness, always focusing on cooperation across diplomatic, economic, social, and developmental fields. The best evidence of the depth of Lebanese-Chinese friendship is Beijing's firm and humanitarian stance toward Lebanon during its most difficult circumstances, from the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic and the provision of medical supplies, through its support for Lebanon amid its current economic and financial crisis, to the aftermath of the Beirut port explosion, and China's continued support for Lebanon in international forums, particularly in light of repeated Israeli attacks."
El Abdallah added: "In my capacity as President of the Lebanese Chinese Business Association, I have worked alongside a large number of Chinese ambassadors to Lebanon and have witnessed a unanimous commitment and deep concern among all of them, over the years, to assist Lebanon's various regions, from the far north to the far south. This has been reflected through joint cooperation projects between the Association and the Embassy, whether in providing medical assistance and essential supplies or supporting remote areas through local development projects.
"I have also witnessed firsthand, throughout this journey, the extent of the Chinese ambassadors' and leadership's commitment to standing alongside the Lebanese people in a humanitarian and fraternal spirit, while maintaining a continuous focus on the exchange of economic and cultural delegations and missions between the two countries. This is an approach that China has always sought to establish and deepen in accordance with its historic vision based on constructive cooperation and comprehensive openness."
El Abdallah concluded: "China has never missed an opportunity to provide everything within its means to support the Lebanese people and institutions. This reflects the extent of the Chinese leadership's respect for Lebanon and its sincere desire to build bridges of cooperation and solidarity, reaffirming once again the depth of these historic relations and their promising future prospects.
"We congratulate China on the 77th anniversary of the founding of the Republic, and we congratulate Lebanon and China on the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations."
