The Political Economy of China’s Relations with the Maghreb Countries: Algeria, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco, and Tunisia

ABSTRACT: The political–economic relationship between China and the five countries of the Maghreb region vary substantially. China’s relations with Algeria are older and much more established than with the other countries, but China has been seeking to deepen its relationship with Morocco since the 2010s. The poor strategic relations between Algiers and Rabat, however, make it difficult, and China has sought to work with both. Politically, China has always focused on diplomatic relations with all countries, and the north African states were among its earliest contacts. Maintaining formal relations with other countries and excluding Taiwan from the world stage are paramount goals for Beijing. At the same time, developing economic relations, not only in accessing resources but also in developing markets are high priorities for China. These countries’ proximity to and access to European markets are also a strong attraction for China. For the Maghreb countries, economic relations with China helps them balance their dependence on their post-colonial and proximate European economies. For Libya and Tunisia, the Arab Spring unrest undid much of China’s political and economic efforts in the early 21st century.