“The appointment of an ambassador, therefore, does not point to exclusive alignment with the Tripoli government, but rather to an effort to manage the Libyan file more actively while keeping channels open with all relevant actors.

In this context, Libya appears less central than other North African dossiers — such as Morocco — yet remains a valuable test case for China’s ability to combine diplomatic presence, political caution and economic ambition in a highly volatile environment.”

Andrea Ghiselli (T.wai & University of Exeter) is interviewed in the article “China in Libya: why Beijing’s return matters in the Mediterranean” on Decode39.