“In this evolving geopolitical environment, Beijing is expected to maintain its strategy of cautious hedging while gradually accommodating the emerging international consensus surrounding the Moroccan position. Given the intractable nature of the territorial dispute, China is unlikely to assume an overt role as a mediator despite its growing regional interests. The Maghreb remains in a delicate transition where the pursuit of energy resilience and maritime security continues to clash with rooted local rivalries. While China will continue to expand its economic interdependence with both sides, it will likely defer to other powers – such as the United States – to manage the political complexities of the mediation process.”
Imane Ezzehouany, Bianca Pasquier and Amanda Chen are authors of the issue the ChinaMed Observer “From Neutrality to Strategic Ambiguity: China and the Western Sahara Conflict”.
