China is preparing to officially announce its support for Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara before the end of 2025, according to reliable diplomatic sources. This move could reshape the positions of several influential countries regarding the regional dispute over Moroccan Sahara.
This shift in Beijing’s stance comes amid a new political dynamic shaping Moroccan-Chinese relations, characterized by increased trust and intensified economic cooperation in vital sectors. Additionally, Morocco’s geopolitical position in Africa and along the Mediterranean and Atlantic coasts enhances its pivotal role within China’s Belt and Road Initiative launched years ago.
China’s growing interest in Morocco is clearly reflected in the scale of investments that Chinese companies have made in recent years. These investments span infrastructure, green industry, renewable energy, as well as ports and logistics platforms, with the “Tangier Tech” industrial city project anticipated to serve as a regional industrial hub aimed at African and European markets.
In contrast, Chinese investments in Algeria are witnessing a notable stagnation, attributed to international assessments that classify the country as a high-risk area for foreign investors due to a challenging business climate, political and economic instability, and a lack of adequate legal guarantees.
The anticipated move by China aligns with positions of several major nations that have expressed clear support for Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara, notably the United Kingdom, which has considered Morocco’s autonomy proposal a “serious, realistic, and credible basis” for resolving the conflict, a stance that has been widely welcomed by Rabat.
Observers believe that China’s recognition, if confirmed, would represent a significant diplomatic turning point in favor of Morocco, bolstering its status as a reliable strategic partner in Africa and the Mediterranean region, while also delivering a strong blow to separatist claims at a time when more countries are supporting Morocco’s sovereignty over its southern territories.
