As West Retreats, China’s Offensive in Libya Gains Momentum



Posted On 8 February 2025

Number of times this article was read : 2244

While France is retreating from Africa and Washington DC is struggling to figure out Trump’s “America First” policy, China is taking the opportunity to broaden its influence around the world and is presenting itself as a preferred partner to Africans and others. In North Africa, China and Libya have been working to deepen economic and diplomatic ties, positioning Libya as a key partner in China’s Belt and Road Initiative while boosting infrastructure, trade, and energy cooperation. After halting investments during Libya’s 2011 civil war, China has re-engaged, securing major projects like the Tripoli Third Ring Road and Sirte Free Zone Smart Port. Libya sees China as a politically neutral partner for rebuilding, while Beijing gains strategic access to North Africa. However, this growing partnership threatens Western influence, with rivals like Turkey and Gulf states also vying for a stake in Libya’s reconstruction.

________
This analysis is reserved for clients subscribing to The North Africa Journal Already a subscriber?
Please log in here

Not a subscriber? Take advantage of our lowest subscription rates. Subscribe today

Other Articles in this Week's Issue<< EU Report Accuses Tunisia of Migrant Trafficking to Libya

Sign up to free weekly recap on North Africa and the Sahel

We send out a weekly newsletter every Friday, highlighting the most important events of the week. Sign up today, it is free.

Mali: The Failing Campaign of Wagner in Mali Presages Trouble for the Junta in Bamako

There have been more chatter and speculations about the activities of Russia’s mercenaries, formerly known as the Wagner Group, now reportedly called the Afrika Corps in the Sahel. It is unclear if the name "Afrika Corps" is official, but if so, it certainly confirms...

The North Africa Journal's WhatsApp Group

Most Recent Stories from the Region

West Africa: ECOWAS in turmoil

West Africa’s economic grouping, ECOWAS, faces a new crisis as former chairman and Guinea-Bissau President Umaro Sissoco Embalo refuses to step down despite his mandate ending on February 27, 2025. Embalo, who once criticized Sahelian coup leaders on behalf of ECOWAS, now defies the organization, even expelling its mediation delegation.

France’s Far-Right Pushes to End 1968 Franco-Algerian Treaty, Escalating Diplomatic Tensions

France’s far-right movement has been escalating diplomatic tensions with Algeria by calling to revoke the 1968 Franco-Algerian Treaty. On February 26, 2025, members of the French government threatened unilateral termination of the treaty unless Algeria accepted the return of undocumented migrants.

Morocco: Two children killed in floods

Morocco is experiencing heavy rainfall resulting in floods that are causing destruction and deaths. Several regions of the country have been hit by devastating floods, claiming the lives of at least two children.

Written by The North Africa Journal

The North Africa Journal is a leading English-language publication focused on North Africa. The Journal covers primarily the Maghreb region and expands its general coverage to the Sahel, Egypt, and beyond, when events in those regions affect the broader North Africa geography. The Journal does not have any affiliation with any institution and has been independent since its founding in 1996. Our position is to always bring our best analysis of events affecting the region, and remain as neutral as humanly possible. Our coverage is not limited to one single topic, but ranges from economic and political affairs, to security, defense, social and environmental issues. We rely on our full staff analysts and editors to bring you best-in-class analysis. We also work with sister company MEA Risk LLC, to leverage the presence on the ground of a solid network of contributors and experts. Information on MEA Risk can be found at www.MEA-Risk.com.