STUDY PEACE AND SECURITY A SAVIOR IN TIMES OF CRISIS? The Extent and Limits of China’s Soft Power in Lebanon Yeghia Tashjian May 2024 China is Lebanon’s largest trading partner and has an interest in investing in Lebanon’s infrastructure in the context of the Belt and Road Initiative(BRI) and connecting Lebanon to Syria, which are key geo­economic objectives for China in Lebanon. Avoiding direct involvement in Lebanese domestic disputes unlike other international players and providing manifold material support, China has been viewed favorably by many actors within Lebanon. However, domestic and international factors(especially US pressure) may hinder a deeper cooperation between China and Lebanon and impose particular limitations for more strategic relations in the future.