Maghreb Edition

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

Posted On 8 February 2025

Number of times this article was read : 4865

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.

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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.