China’s Pivot: Morocco’s Sahara Claim Gains Momentum

Until now neutral, China, a permanent member of the Security Council, could change its position and support the autonomy plan proposed by Rabat for the Sahara. This is evidenced by the intensification of Sino-Moroccan relations, marked by the recent visit of the Moroccan Foreign Minister to Beijing. This step is intended to institutionalize the strategic dialogue between the two countries, through the signing of a memorandum and the creation of a permanent dialogue mechanism, reports Al Ahdath Al Maghribia. Rabat offers China an attractive investment area (infrastructure, industry, logistics) and strategic access to Europe and West Africa.

And, China is multiplying its investments in Morocco. Since 2022, trade between Rabat and Beijing has jumped by more than 50%, reaching a volume of $7.6 billion. As for investments, China has implemented several strategic initiatives on Moroccan territory, including the emergence of the Mohammed VI Tanger Tech Industrial City, which is on its way to becoming a major economic center. In addition, more than 80 projects benefiting from Chinese financing are underway in the kingdom. In 2023, the total Chinese investments announced in the automotive industry in Morocco have reached around $9.5 billion.

Other indicators, such as the exclusion of Polisario representatives from the main Sino-African forums, the tone of official statements on the occasion of multilateral meetings, as well as international strategic analyzes, are perceived as a major step by Beijing towards the recognition of the "Moroccanness" of the Sahara and support for the Moroccan autonomy plan. China’s sensitivity to issues of territorial integrity could also lead it to follow in the footsteps of countries like the United States, Israel, Spain and France.