Former Lebanese Prime Minister Hassan Diab affirmed that China's momentum remains resilient against external doubts and criticisms, calling for greater understanding and engagement with the country.
In an interview with China Media Group (CMG) released on Friday, Diab, while attending a meeting in Guangzhou, a southern Chinese city, emphasized the importance of understanding China. He stressed that China's global presence benefits both the country itself and the broader international community.
"The more understanding of people from outside China have about China, the more we will support China and pushing for this proximity and for this inclusion. I find the implied note of President Xi in terms of inclusivity, very remarkable. I very much support that. And I think it's very wise to do that because it's of benefit to China to be present everywhere and its of benefit of the world to be close to China," he said.
The former Lebanese official referenced an Arabic proverb, alluding that success is often accompanied by challenges, as he highlighted the value of direct engagement as a means to bridge the gap between differing perspectives on China.
"There's a saying in Arabic that people throw stones at the fruitful tree, at the tree that bears fruits. So, when you're on your path to leadership and success, I'm talking about the global level, you will find challenges. I don't think this will stop China from advancing even further in the world. Voices that don't want this to happen, I don't think will affect the path of China's more advanced success in the future," he said.
"They have to interact with the Chinese and they have to understand the Chinese. They have to accept that China is already a global power at different levels. With today's transformation of the world to a multipolar world, China is a major player and might as well accept that and understand that, as I said before, building bridges with China," he added.
Former Lebanese PM calls for deeper understanding of and building bridges with China amid rising influence
Former Lebanese PM calls for deeper understanding of and building bridges with China amid rising influence
