China in the Mashriq: New Best Friend

... caused by internal instability in the country. As early as 2009, the Chinese government invested USD 58 million to enlarge the port of Tripoli. China is still heavily investing in the expansion of Lebanese port infrastructure. The main reason for these investments, as with other countries in the Levant, is the development needed to expand the ‘boundaries’ for BRI, of which Lebanon, having signed an agreement with China, is already an integral part. In addition to economic interaction, other ties are also enhanced. In 2020, China and Lebanon signed an inter-governmental agreement to establish cultural centers in the capitals,...