| This thesis aims to examine the Belt and Road Initiative based on previous studies and reports issued by international think tanks.This study provides a detailed presentation of Sino-Arab relations as well as Sino-Lebanese relations since its inception until today.The author ends the analysis with some recommendations for the smooth functioning of the Belt and Road Initiative in the region and for the success of the proposed projects.The writer notes that this initiative is an effective tool to enhance the Chinese role in the Arab region and to lay solid foundations for partnership with the Arabs.Lebanon will benefit a lot,as it is part of the Arab region and a member of the initiative.Belt and Road Initiative or One Belt One Road(OBOR),is an initiative launched by Chinese President Xi Jinping in 2013,the initiative aims to revive and develop the historic Silk Road.This initiative is based on infrastructure projects to enhance economic and cultural interdependence among member states,for example roads,railways,oil and gas pipelines,power lines,an advanced internet network,etc.This study focuses on China’s foreign policy towards the Arab region,specifically towards Lebanon,which is located on the eastern basin of the Mediterranean and the Gulf Cooperation Council(oil states).The research provides an overview of the development of Sino-Lebanese relations under the Belt and Road initiative.The author asks,"How will China benefit from Lebanese geography and professional human resources?What is the economic feasibility of both Lebanon and China?" In general,China deals with all countries on the basis of respect regardless of the area or it’s GDP.This Chinese strategy increases the strategic importance of Lebanon on the Chinese map.Chinese foreign policy is based on respect and non-interference in internal affairs and the win-win situation.The focus of the China-Lebanon partnership is economic progress regardless of the color and nature of the political system.The writer asks that,in light of the bad economic situation,how will this initiative affect the Lebanese economy?In 2013,China became Lebanon’s first economic partner.The volume of trade with China increased significantly between 2005 and 2018,from 563 million dollars to 2.049 billion dollars.The research indicates that Lebanon’s membership in the initiative greatly increases economic exchanges,and Lebanon has an increasing economic role in the Arab region.The partnership with China has a strategic dimension,as Lebanon is an important economic and cultural bridge between East and West.The Chinese Ambassador to Lebanon indicated that the China-Arab partnership will not be achieved without the active role of Lebanon.The Lebanese and Chinese governments signed a memorandum of understanding on the joint promotion of cooperation in the Belt and Road initiative provided for cooperation in areas of common interest such as transport,infrastructure,investment,energy,renewable energy and cultural exchange.China is an important and ancient partner of Lebanon.The Belt and Road Initiative is a great opportunity for the Lebanese economy.China’s recent open door policy of cultural exchange and economic cooperation enhances Lebanon’s position in the Arab region and on the Mediterranean basin to serve Chinese interests.Lebanon is also a key partner of China in the reconstruction of Syria and Iraq.This initiative will bring a lot of positive changes that will improve the economic situation and eventually the living conditions of the Lebanese citizens. |
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