A shared future: China outlines the 15th five-year plan

The Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Beirut held a media briefing this week to present the outcomes of the Fourth Plenary Session of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC), which officially adopted the country’s 15th Five-Year Plan (2026–2030). The briefing was attended by local and international media, including The Beiruter, which was invited to cover the event.

Presiding over the session, Chinese Ambassador to Lebanon Chen Chuan Dong detailed China’s strategic vision for the coming years, highlighting the nation’s achievements under the 14th Five-Year Plan, its roadmap toward modernization by 2035, and the expanding prospects for China–Lebanon cooperation across multiple sectors.

China’s economic transformation

Ambassador Chen began by recalling China’s extraordinary transformation over the past four decades, “from a very cold and backward country,” he said, “to the world’s second-largest economy.” This progress, he noted, represents a “dual miracle”, the combination of rapid economic growth and long-term social stability.

Reviewing the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021–2025), Chen acknowledged the global challenges China faced, from the COVID-19 pandemic to international market volatility, yet underscored that China had sustained robust growth.

“Our GDP in 2020 was slightly above 100 trillion RMB. This year, it is expected to surpass 140 trillion RMB, about 19.7 trillion US dollars. In just five years, we’ve grown by nearly 40% and contributed one-third of global economic growth,” he stated.

China has maintained its position as the world’s largest trader in goods, with trade growing by an average of 8% annually. It also rose to 10th place in the Global Innovation Index in 2024, reflecting major advances in renewable energy, industrial modernization, and technological innovation.

“One in every three kilowatts consumed in China today comes from green energy sources,” the ambassador added, emphasizing China’s global leadership in electric and new energy vehicle production.

The 15th five-year plan: Building a modern and secure China

Ambassador Chen described the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026–2030) as a critical stage in China’s journey toward “Chinese modernization” by 2035, serving as a bridge between past achievements and future aspirations.

He outlined seven strategic goals:

                1.           High-quality development to replace purely high-speed growth.

                2.           Scientific and technological self-reliance and innovation.

                3.           Continued reform and market openness.

                4.           Cultural and ethical advancement.

                5.           Improving people’s quality of life and welfare.

                6.           Advancing the “Beautiful China” environmental vision.

                7.           Strengthening national security and development resilience.

These priorities, Chen noted, are guided by the CPC’s leadership, a people-centered governance model, and the principle that “development cannot exist without security.”

“China’s stability is the foundation of its success, and that stability creates opportunities for cooperation with the world, including Lebanon,” he said.

Lebanon and China: Shared potential and partnership

Highlighting the growing ties between Beijing and Beirut, Ambassador Chen praised Lebanon’s historical role as part of the ancient Silk Road, noting that modern Lebanon remains strategically positioned for Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) cooperation.

“Lebanon’s geographic location, human capital, and cultural vibrancy make it a natural partner in China’s development vision,” he said.

He pointed to tangible examples of cooperation, such as solar-powered projects for Lebanese villages and telecommunications facilities, describing them as “small and beautiful” initiatives that deliver real impact for communities.

China, he emphasized, has been Lebanon’s largest trading partner for nine consecutive years, and Beijing remains open to importing more Lebanese products and supporting Lebanese participation in the China International Import Expo in Shanghai.

Ambassador Chen also announced that 2026 will mark both the start of the new Five-Year Plan and the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Lebanon, promising “new milestones” in economic, cultural, and educational collaboration.

Knowledge, technology, and people-to-people exchange

Ambassador Chen underlined the growing importance of educational and technological cooperation between China and the Arab world. Through the China–Arab University Consortium, which includes Lebanese institutions, joint programs have been developed in artificial intelligence, digital innovation, and renewable energy.

He also noted that most Lebanese students studying in China under government scholarships pursue technology and engineering fields, underscoring a shared emphasis on innovation and human capital.

“Lebanon’s greatest asset is its people, their talent and creativity,” Chen said. “That’s where we see the most promising potential for cooperation.”

A model of consultative development

Responding to questions on governance and planning, Ambassador Chen explained that China’s development model combines strategic leadership with broad participation.

“The Communist Party leads, but does not monopolize,” he clarified. “We collect input from local governments, ministries, academia, and the public to ensure every Five-Year Plan reflects both national priorities and grassroots realities.”

This, he said, ensures continuity, consensus, and stability, allowing each plan to build upon the previous one without political disruption.

“That is the secret behind China’s consistent success,” he added. “We work step by step, generation after generation.”

Cooperation and development assistance

Ambassador Chen also highlighted China’s approach to international development cooperation, which he described as “South-South collaboration” focused on capacity building rather than dependency.

He cited recent Chinese-supported projects in Lebanon, including solar street lighting, assistance to hospitals, and partnerships with UNDP, as examples of China’s pragmatic, people-centered model.

“We don’t see ourselves as donors; we see ourselves as partners,” he said. “Our goal is to empower local communities and build shared capacity.”

On the commercial front, Chen acknowledged that Lebanon’s security challenges have impacted investment but expressed optimism:

“We encourage Chinese companies to view Lebanon with nuance, not through a single lens. Once stability returns, Lebanon can serve as a bridge for reconstruction in Syria and as a gateway to regional and African markets.”

A message of friendship

Concluding his remarks, Ambassador Chen reaffirmed China’s steadfast support for Lebanon’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and development efforts, and voiced confidence that the partnership will deepen in the years ahead.

We will continue to stand by Lebanon,” he said. “Our friendship, built over more than five decades, is founded on mutual respect and shared growth, and we wish it to be everlasting.

As China prepares to embark on its 15th Five-Year Plan, the message from Ambassador Chen Chuan Dong was clear: Beijing’s modernization drive is not only about domestic prosperity, but also about global cooperation, shared development, and a future of mutual benefit with partners like Lebanon.