Il Marocco “guarda” alla Cina: narrazioni, percezioni e impatto della Belt and Road Initiative

Barbara Onnis

Sino-Moroccan relations, formally established in 1958, have undergone a widely acknowledged qualitative upgrade in conjunction with two key diplomatic milestones: Morocco’s accession to the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) in November 2017 and the signing of the Implementation Agreement in January 2022. This study investigates how these developments have shaped the domestic debate, particularly as reflected in Moroccan media. Through qualitative content analysis of articles from five representative national outlets – “Le Matin”, “Bayane Al Yawm/Al Bayane”, “L’Économiste”, “TelQuel”, and “Hespress” – complemented by research reports and Arab Barometer survey data, the study explores narrative frames, editorial orientations, and discursive shifts surrounding the evolving partnership. Findings reveal a generally favorable portrayal of Sino-Moroccan cooperation, highlighting economic opportunities, infrastructure development, and Morocco’s geostrategic positioning while critical perspectives – though present – remain relatively marginal and focus mainly on risks related to indebtedness, industrial dependency, and environmental impact. Public opinion appears cautiously receptive to deepened engagement with China, although structural factors – foremost Western Sahara diplomacy – continue to shape the strategic parameters of Morocco’s foreign policy choices.

Il numero completo e i suoi articoli sono disponibili in open access sulla piattaforma Rivisteweb de Il Mulino.

Published in:

LinkedIn   Facebook   Twitter  

  • From the same author

  • T.wai Journals

    Biannual journal on the politics, foreign policy and socio-political dynamics of contemporary China
    Biannual journal on the international relations and international political economy of South-East Asia
    Quarterly journal investigating the extended concept of security and the human dimension of conflict

    Events & Training Programs

    TOChina Summer School 2026

    29JunMon - 10JulFri
    University of Turin - Campus Luigi Einaudi
    Lungo Dora Siena, 100 | Torino | Italy

    ITASEAS – Italian Association of Southeast Asian Studies Conference 2025

    04JunWed
    University of Turin - Campus Luigi Einaudi
    Lungo Dora Siena, 100 | Torino | Italy

    TOChina Spring Seminars 2025

    19MarWed - 15AprTue
    University of Turin - Campus Luigi Einaudi
    Lungo Dora Siena, 100 | Torino | Italy

How can T.wai be useful to you?

Students

Researchers

Professionals & Companies

Government & Institutions

Copyright © 2026. Torino World Affairs Institute All rights reserved

  • Privacy Policy
  • Cookie Policy