Morocco and China strengthen their strategic partnership with new opportunities for cooperation
- Political framework for relations between China and Morocco
- Ten years of strategic cooperation between Beijing and Rabat
- Key data on trade between China and Morocco
- Outlook and five-year plan (2026-2030)
Yu Jinsong, Chinese ambassador to Rabat, said that bilateral relations are at a favourable moment and that over the next five years there will be close cooperation focused on building a joint economic framework. This effort will focus on the elimination of tariffs, technology transfer from China and the signing of agreements for sustainable energy.
The diplomat stressed that the ties between Morocco and China go beyond the purely economic, recalling that Morocco was the first Arab country to establish diplomatic relations with China. She also highlighted Morocco's support in international forums, particularly for the “One China” project and the defence of China's legitimate place in the United Nations.
During the event, the ambassador highlighted the importance of recent agreements, the visit to Beijing by Moroccan Minister Nasser Bourita and the commemoration of the 10th anniversary of the Strategic Partnership between the two countries. Collaboration for the development of the Global South and Morocco's participation in the Belt and Road Initiative were also discussed, and a report on bilateral foreign trade was presented.
Political framework for relations between China and Morocco
31 October marked a key moment in relations between China and Morocco. The decision by the People's Republic of China to abstain from voting in the UN Security Council, which supports the Autonomy Plan for the Sahara proposed by Morocco in 2007, was the result of ongoing dialogue between the two parties.
The United States' recognition of Morocco as one of the ‘most reliable and solid partners in Africa,’ together with the respect shown by Russia and China, reflects the strength of Moroccan diplomacy, positioned as a basis for achieving international objectives.
Morocco's unconditional support for China's “One China” project and the restoration of China's legitimate seat in the United Nations has been appreciated by Beijing, which responded with this show of support. The Chinese representative to the Security Council, Fu Cong, explained that ‘the Moroccan proposal is in line with the principles of dialogue and stability that China promotes’.
In relation to the “One China” principle, Morocco's non-recognition of Taiwan as an independent country is a fundamental element. For Morocco, this principle is based on the existence of a single government representing both mainland China and the island of Taiwan in the context of international relations.
Ten years of strategic cooperation between Beijing and Rabat
The strengthening of bilateral relations began with King Mohamed VI's visit to Beijing on 11 May 2016, where agreements were signed establishing the Strategic Partnership between China and Morocco.
Since then, trade between the two countries has grown significantly, driven by collaborations on projects for the development of the Global South and the Belt and Road Initiative, which aims to transform global freight transport.
Regarding the possibility of future meetings between the leaders of the two countries, the ambassador assured that meetings will take place and that in the next five years bilateral relations will reach ‘deeper and higher’ levels.
Key data on trade between China and Morocco
China is currently Morocco's third largest international trading partner and ranks second in terms of investment in sustainable energy in the African country. Chinese investment is projected to exceed $10 billion in the near future.
A crucial factor in this development was the elimination of the 100% tariff that China applied to African products, a measure that facilitated increased trade and the inflow of African private capital into China.
China sees Morocco as a gateway to Africa due to its strategic location and favourable environment for foreign investment, characteristics that have attracted considerable interest from Chinese capital.
Competitive costs, an outstanding logistical position and a young and skilled business community have encouraged short- and long-term investment.
Bilateral trade focuses on two predominant sectors: technology transfer from China and investment in green hydrogen and renewable energy. Morocco stands out for its exports of raw materials such as semiconductors and phosphate derivatives, while China contributes spare parts for electric cars, telephony and value-added products.
Outlook and five-year plan (2026-2030)
As the tenth anniversary of the Strategic Partnership approaches, there are high expectations for two key projects: China's support for infrastructure for the 2025 African Cup of Nations and, in the longer term, preparations for the 2030 World Cup.
In terms of energy, China seeks to integrate itself into Morocco's energy transition, contributing to the goal of supplying 52% of national energy consumption from renewable sources by 2030.
Morocco, with nearly 70% of the world's phosphate reserves, a vital resource for agriculture, is a strategic partner for China, especially in a global context where food security is increasingly important, particularly for China, which is the second most populous country in the world with approximately 1.4 billion inhabitants.
With regard to the 2026-2030 Five-Year Plan, the ambassador confirmed that Morocco has acquired the status of a key partner for China, also highlighting the progress that the African country has made in promoting women's rights.
In line with this, the Chinese authorities announced, through Yu Jinsong, investments of more than $10 million to support UN projects in Morocco, in addition to extending a fund of more than $100 million to ensure the stability and continuity of these plans.