China in the Mashriq: New Best Friend

... and Lebanon signed an inter-governmental agreement to establish cultural centers in the capitals, and both countries are hosting joint cultural events, festivals, and bilateral days of culture. Lebanon cannot be described as China’s main focus, but Lebanon is still of great interest to Beijing due to its geographical location even if there are more strategically “useful” partners in the Greater Middle East and in the Mashriq (for example, Syria and Iraq attract much more Chinese investment). The ports of Tripoli and Beirut may be more actively used by China in the future as trade hubs in the Mediterranean, and thus might be extremely helpful for the BRI further development....