By: Mohamed Khoukhchani
China’s abstention during the vote on Security Council resolution 2797, relating to support for the autonomy plan proposed by Morocco in 2007, is neither fortuitous nor meaningless. True to its cautious diplomacy, Beijing has chosen to maintain a balanced position, avoiding aligning itself with one side while expressing implicit appreciation for Morocco’s realistic approach to the political settlement of the Sahara dispute.
Diplomatic neutrality or implicit support?
China remains committed to a constant principle: respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of States. Faced with similar issues on its own territory (Taiwan, Hong Kong, Tibet, etc.), it avoids endorsing any initiative that could be interpreted as an encouragement to secession.
Thus, its abstention on resolution 2797 reflects a cautious neutrality, which leaves the door open to a constructive dialogue and a tacit recognition of the Moroccan autonomy plan as a serious and realistic option.
Economic interests as a determining factor
Since the visit of His Majesty King Mohammed VI to Beijing in 2016, Sino-Moroccan relations have risen to a strategic level.
The two countries have signed several agreements covering energy, industry, infrastructure, telecommunications and scientific and cultural cooperation.
Morocco is now a key platform for China in Africa, as part of the Belt and Road initiative.
This economic interdependence explains Beijing’s caution: it prefers to maintain a stable and open partner, rather than risk a political disagreement likely to affect a fruitful relationship.
Ancient links, inherited from the Silk Road
Trade between Morocco and China dates back several centuries, via trade routes linking the East and North Africa.
In modern diplomatic terms, official relations were established in 1958, two years after Morocco’s independence.
They were strengthened with the visit of King Hassan II to Beijing in 1988, then flourished from 2016 under the reign of King Mohammed VI, giving birth to cooperation based on trust and mutual respect.
Conclusion
The Chinese position vis-à-vis Resolution 2797 illustrates a diplomacy of stability and pragmatism.
It is not a neutrality of disinterest, but a thoughtful choice dictated by the desire to preserve regional peace and a flourishing economic partnership with Morocco.
In Beijing’s logic, Morocco’s stability is a pillar of African and Arab balance, and cooperation with Rabat is part of a long-term win-win vision.
