Tensions are at their highest between the two brotherly and neighbouring countries, Morocco and Algeria, especially over the Western Sahara. Faced with this unfortunate situation, China, as a partner, could put its weight behind facilitating constructive interaction between the two countries.
« China is at a crossroads as it expands its economic presence in the Maghreb. Increasing tensions between Algeria and Morocco could threaten Chinese economic and geopolitical interests in the region. But Beijing may have the power to bridge the gap and reorient the western Mediterranean towards its New Silk Road initiative, » they argue in an opinion piece published by East Asia Forum.
Algeria plans to intensify its support for the Polisario Front and increase its own military presence on the Moroccan border. According to both analysts, this could threaten Chinese interests in the Maghreb and undermine its plans to achieve transcontinental connectivity via the western Mediterranean. China is a partner with an interest in phosphates. Morocco has more than 70% of the world’s rock phosphate reserves, while Algeria has the world’s fourth largest stockpile, say Michaël Tanchum and Nerea Álvarez-Aríztegui.
« The time has come for China to facilitate a constructive interaction between Rabat and Algiers. Its diplomatic efforts could determine whether the trajectory of the Western Maghreb will be towards cooperation or conflict, » they conclude.
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