Decades of reliance on Western arms has made Lebanon subject to limitations in acquiring an advanced air force power and even air defense systems, said the country's former military official and seasoned analysts.
The role of the Lebanese military during the ongoing war between Israel and Hezbollah has been limited. Besides the multi-sect political system in the country, the national military is restrained in its power.
Since the Israeli attacks on Lebanon intensified in late September, drones have targeted central Beirut. The jets of Israeli Defense Forces roam the Lebanese skies, completing missions without any intervention. It is clear the Lebanese Armed Forces cannot do anything about it, not even intercept a missile.
"Lebanon's army was not allowed to acquire arms that would tip the balance of power against Israel. No one is selling us fighter jets. Our tanks are old. The downside of our army is that all its arms are Western, since the independence of Lebanon in 1920. You can't switch to [Eastern] arms in just days or months, and the expenses to do so are immense," said Ali Abi Raad, former general of Lebanese Armed Forces.
This has tied the Lebanese Army's hands to defend its soldiers at the border. As Israel called to evacuate the south of the country, the military relocated its forces. Instead of staying in small groups scattered across the border, they are now clustered a few miles away.
On the other hand, Hezbollah went to acquire Eastern arms to empower itself against Israel.
"Hezbollah has Russian and Iranian arms. They also manufacture their own arms locally, like the four types of Fadi missiles. These are the missiles Hezbollah is using in the ongoing war. This can make the group fight for years to come. There are also bigger and more powerful weapons the group has not yet revealed," said Ali Hamieh, a military and strategic analyst.
When it comes to decision making, Hezbollah can unilaterally mobilize its fighters and attack Israel. But as a representative of all factions in the country, the Lebanese Armed Forces have to follow more complicated administrative procedures.
"Lebanon is sharply divided over the role of its army, and its responsibility to engage in such battles. Nearly half of the country believes that this battle is not theirs to fight. The situation in Lebanon is very complicated, regarding to the roles of military and the armed resistance," said Mounir Rabih, a political analyst and columnist for Beirut-based online newspaper AlModon.
Reliance on Western arms ties Lebanon's military: former official
Macao has been emerging as a global hub for conventions and exhibitions in recent years by exploring the enormous opportunities in the sector, driving the region to advance its economic diversification and embrace a brighter future.
Macao has received many awards this year, such as the Best Convention City (Asia) and the Best BT-MICE City, showcasing the recognition for and influence of Macao's exhibition industry.
More than 1,000 electronic game enthusiasts from all over the world gathered recently in Macao to participate in a esports themed event.
Su Zhili, organizer of the event, said that Macao's rich experience in hosting large-scale events, coupled with its good infrastructure, has driven him to choose the region as an ideal destination to hold such an activity.
"Macao has held many similar large-scale events. It has rich experience, and the facilities at the venue are relatively mature, so we can start our work comfortably," said Su.
During the first three quarters of 2024, Macao held more than 1,000 conferences and exhibitions in total.
"We will invite more professional, special conferences to be held in Macao and also cultivate more exhibition brands with international influence in Macao, so as to promote Macao's exhibitions to be more market-oriented, professional, international, digital and greener from various aspects. This is our goal," said Elaine Wong, member of the Macao Commerce and Investment Promotion Institute.
In addition, multiple large exhibitions and conferences, such as the Macao International Trade and Investment fair, the Macao Franchise Expo, and the International Infrastructure Investment and Construction Forum, are held regularly in Macao.
With the introduction of a series of policies and measures to facilitate the exchanges between the mainland and Macao, as well as the construction and development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin, Macao's convention and exhibition industry will embrace more opportunities for development in the foreseeable future.
"We have such a good industrial base in the Greater Bay Area. The mode of 'Convention and Exhibition + Industry' not only integrates the industries of Macao, but also the industries of the Greater Bay Area. In addition, Macao actively integrates into the national development and plays a role in the Belt and Road. Why are we so confident in Macao's convention and exhibition sector? Because it is backed by the motherland, and the country gives Macao great support," said Alan Ho, chairman of the Macao Association of Convention, Exhibition and Tourism Sectors.
Macao emerges as global hub for conventions and exhibitions, driving economic diversification and international recognition
