Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune visited Beijing on 17-21 June 2023. The visit can be interpreted as a turning point for the future of Algerian-Chinese relations. On this occasion, the parties signed a joint declaration and agreed to expand cooperation in technological fields, including aviation, nuclear and information and communication technologies.[1] This is extremely important in terms of showing that the cooperation between the two countries tends to expand and deepen.
At this point, it should be noted that; Algeria has improved its relations with Beijing since joining the Belt and Road Initiative. As a matter of fact, China has increased its economic influence in this country, which is a former French colony, and has reached the position of Algeria’s main exporter through constructive relations shaped by the win-win logic.[2] According to 2022 data, the trade volume between the two countries has reached 7.42 billion dollars. Of this, 6.28 billion dollars was China’s exports; At the level of 1.14 billion dollars, exports from Algeria to China are realized.[3]
While economic relations meet Algeria’s investment needs; these investments serve the interests of Algerians by creating jobs. Aware of this situation, Tebboune met with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing and the following statements made by Tebboune at the press conference held with the participation of the two leaders were at the forefront of the international public agenda:[4]
“”Algeria is willing to actively participate in the construction of the Belt and Road Initiative. The current international landscape is very unstable, and we are grateful to China for playing a key role in promoting a more open and inclusive world and a more just and rational international order.”
As can be understood, Algeria’s expectation in its relations with Beijing is to maximize its economic interests and to this end support the construction of a more just international system. In this sense, it should be stated that the Tebboune administration supports the search for a multipolar world and approaches the Belt and Road Initiative from this perspective.
Moreover, Algeria aspires to join the BRICS, which is of symbolic importance in terms of the quest for multipolarity and consists of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. In fact, Tebboune visited Moscow on June 14-16, 2023, and during this visit, he met with Russian President Vladimir Putin and called for the acceleration of Algeria’s accession process to BRICS.[5] Therefore, although Tebboune’s visit to Beijing aims to expand economic cooperation and make gains in this context on the axis of the Belt and Road Initiative, it is also closely related to Algeria’s goal of BRICS membership. In this sense, the visit can also be interpreted as a continuation of the Algerian President’s contacts in Moscow. Tebboune has already thanked Beijing for supporting his country’s BRICS membership.[6]
Of course, Tebboune’s visit to Moscow and then to Beijing within a month of each other is a concrete indication of Algeria’s attitude in its quest for multipolarity. However, it is obvious that this stance will attract the reaction of the West. However, it can also be argued that this geopolitical choice has something to do with the West’s Algeria policy. The fact that Western countries, especially Spain, are positioned close to Morocco’s theses on the Western Sahara Problem creates discomfort in Algeria and triggers anti-Western sentiment. As a reflection of this situation, it is seen that the Tebboune administration is turning to Moscow and Beijing.
In addition, Algeria’s stance is also triggered by the country’s anti-colonial struggle. In other words, it can be said that the French colonialism in the historical memory of the country is effective in the background of Tebboune’s statements about the construction of a more just world. That is why Algeria became the first Arab country to establish a “Comprehensive Strategic Partnership” with China in 2014.[7]
On the other hand, the fact that China has the world’s largest population and its strong industrial sector is dependent on natural gas due to its increasing influence in the global economy encourages Beijing to improve relations with Algeria, an energy-rich country. Because Algeria is the world’s fourth-largest exporter of natural gas and has the third-largest untapped shale gas resources. The country also ranks sixteenth in proven oil reserves.[8]Therefore, the Beijing administration, which seeks to diversify its energy suppliers, sees Algeria as an important partner. While this means a form of relationship in which the need for resources will be met for the Beijing administration; It means that Algeria also meets the needs of customers. In other words, it is possible to talk about a relationship that is suitable for the interests of both sides.
As a result, Algeria is uncomfortable with the approach of Western actors, especially Spain, to the Western Sahara Problem and advocates the search for a multipolar world with the reflection of the impact of French colonialism on the historical memory of the country. In this context, the Tebboune administration is getting closer to Moscow and Beijing and wants to become a member of BRICS. The country, which is also a part of the Belt and Road Initiative, also attaches importance to relations with China in terms of investment and energy exports.
[1] Zhao Ziwen, “Algerian President Meets China’s Xi Jinping in Beijing to Expand Tech Ties and Build on Belt-and-Road Relationship”, South China Morning Post, https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3228133/algerian-president-meets-chinas-xi-jinping-beijing-expand-tech-ties-and-build-belt-and-road, (Date of Accession: 20.07.2023).
[2] “Tebboune in China to Plead Algeria’s Accession to BRICS”, Africa News, https://www.africanews.com/2023/07/17/tebboune-in-china-to-plead-algerias-accession-to-brics/, (Date of Accession: 20.07.2023).
[3] Ibid.
[4]Ibid.
[5] “Tebboune Urges Acceleration of Algeria’s BRICS Accession Process”, Anadolu Agency, https://www.aa.com.tr/en/africa/tebboune-urges-acceleration-of-algerias-brics-accession-process/2923459, (Date of Accession: 20.07.2023).
[6] Tebboune in China…”, a.g.m.
[7] “China to Deepen Security, Defence Cooperation with Algeria”, Reuters, https://www.reuters.com/world/china/xi-says-china-will-deepen-cooperation-with-algeria-several-key-sectors-2023-07-18/, (Date of Accession: 20.07.2023).
[8] “Russia, Algeria to Agree “Expanded Strategic Partnership””, Russia Briefing, https://www.russia-briefing.com/news/russia-algeria-to-agree-expanded-strategic-partnership.html/, (Date of Accession: 20.07.2023).
