The importance of Sino-Moroccan rapprochement has grown due to the active engagement of Chinese diplomacy and its alignment with Morocco’s stable economic, strategic, and security framework. This development is particularly relevant in light of the escalating political and geostrategic crises that the Maghreb region has faced recently, stemming from the challenges in managing the economic, social, and foreign policies of certain North African states.
The Belt and Road Initiative is a crucial driver for Morocco, enabling the Kingdom to enhance its economic standing and industrial position in Africa and globally. It also revitalizes the Moroccan-Chinese partnership, promoting joint efforts in renewable energy and infrastructure projects that can foster sustainable growth for both countries. Morocco seeks to elevate its regional financial and industrial status at both African and international levels while simultaneously introducing a fresh economic dynamic that aligns with the essence of Moroccan-Chinese strategic cooperation in renewable energy and infrastructure.
Since the last royal visit to Beijing in 2016, Moroccan-Chinese diplomatic relations have significantly improved, culminating in strategic joint agreements across various sectors. Key areas of focus include enhancing trade, industry, and foreign investments and developing and modernizing renewable energy projects and essential infrastructure, especially in the southern regions of Western Sahara. These agreements with China have allowed Morocco’s pragmatic diplomacy to explore new joint investment opportunities with the world’s second-largest economy, which rivals major economic powers like the United States, Japan, and other European and Arab nations.
Chinese-Moroccan ties have strengthened amid increasing political crises in the Maghreb due to North African mismanagement. China’s inclusion of Morocco in its foreign policy and Belt and Road Initiative stems from ongoing diplomatic engagement focused on development and reform. During a brief visit based on King Mohammed VI’s instructions, Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan welcomed Chinese President Xi Jinping in Casablanca. This visit significantly impacts the ongoing relations between Beijing and Rabat.
In this context, it is imperative to examine Beijing’s engagement with North Africa and establish diplomatic and strategic relations with the Maghreb states, notably the Kingdom of Morocco, to enhance strategic, economic, and geopolitical interdependence. Furthermore, Beijing sought to capitalize on the waning influence of France in the region, as France needed to adequately serve the interests of its Maghreb allies. This situation has allowed China to assume a more significant role by strengthening diplomatic ties with North African nations. From this rational perspective of strategic partnership between two states are the following:
First, Morocco and China: Partnership within the framework of a multipolar international system. Moroccan-Chinese relations are part of the broader shift toward multipolarity in the global system, as China seeks to strengthen its international influence through the Belt and Road Initiative. Since signing the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Agreement in 2016, Morocco has become a pivotal player in implementing this economic initiative on the African stage.
Geopolitical analysis: Given Morocco’s position as a link between Europe and Africa, China sees Morocco as a strategic gateway to African markets. On the other hand, Morocco benefits from Chinese investments in strengthening its infrastructure and supporting its major development projects, especially in its southern Saharan regions.
Strategic balance: Morocco is keen to benefit from its partnership with China while maintaining balanced relations with the West. This demonstrates the diplomatic skill that reflects the royal vision of opening new horizons, which is evident in the Atlantic Initiative with the African Sahel countries.
The BRI strategy’s development initiative will help Morocco improve its economic standing and commercial position in Africa and globally. At the same time, it will inject new economic energy into Moroccan-Chinese cooperation in areas like renewable energy, the car industry, and other advanced technological sectors, such as space and satellites. Thus, the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), initiated by Chinese President Xi Jinping in 2013, is poised to yield benefits by enhancing Morocco’s economic and financial landscape while diversifying industrial funding sources and foreign investments. This highlights the concept of economic and geopolitical collaboration between Morocco and China.
The King’s Vision is a framework for Diplomatic Foresight in International Relations. Morocco’s foreign policy reflects a forward-thinking outlook shaped by three key economic and strategic factors influencing its interactions with other nations.
• Multipolarity: Aiming to maintain balanced relations with significant powers while adhering to the principle of non-interference in domestic affairs.
• Regional leadership: Enhancing Morocco’s standing as a regional force in North Africa and the Middle East, centering on its contribution to development and stability across Africa.
• Smart Moroccan diplomacy: Leveraging its geographical and strategic advantages to facilitate dialogue between the North and the South, positioning itself as a beacon of peace and collaboration.
In summary, does China’s involvement in North Africa via the BRI indicate forthcoming initiatives to address Morocco’s economic and development challenges? Is Morocco distinguishing itself as a foreign policy innovator by fostering diverse strategic partnerships with China, underscoring the need to align national priorities with global engagement? These partnerships go beyond mere economic ties; they represent a comprehensive vision positioning Morocco as a strategic center at a transforming international level.
