China–Morocco relations

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China and Morocco established diplomatic relations on November 1, 1958. In 2016 they upgraded their ties to a global strategic partnership, following King Mohammed VI’s visit to Beijing, signaling a move toward broader, win-win cooperation.

Key points in their relationship
- Economy and trade: In 1995 they signed a comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (in force since 1999). From 2000 to 2012, about 36 Chinese development projects were active in Morocco, including infrastructure and healthcare. In 2016 Morocco talked with China about a major northern economic hub, involving Chinese firms, at a project valued around $11 billion. By 2018 China became Morocco’s fourth-largest trading partner, making up about 6–7% of trade. In 2022, Morocco and China signed a Belt and Road plan, making Morocco the first North African country to adopt comprehensive cooperation under the initiative.
- People and travel: Chinese nationals can visit Morocco visa-free for up to 90 days.
- Health and vaccines: During the COVID-19 era, Morocco sent PPE to China and China donated masks and ventilators. In 2021 Morocco began receiving Sinopharm vaccines, with possibilities for local production in the future.
- Culture and education: Three Confucius Institutes were opened in Morocco (Mohammed V University in 2008, Hassan II University in Casablanca in 2012, and Abdelmalek Essaâdi University in 2016).
- Diplomacy and policy: Morocco follows a One China policy, recognizing the People’s Republic of China as the sole government of China and viewing Taiwan as part of China. Morocco supported China on Hong Kong and Xinjiang matters in 2020. On Western Sahara, China backed UN resolutions encouraging dialogue toward a just solution and self-determination.
- Defense and security: China supplied missiles and air-defense systems to Morocco (including Sky Dragon 50 missiles in 2017 and HQ-9 systems deployed at eastern bases).
- People and institutions: The Chinese embassy is in Rabat, and the Moroccan embassy is in Beijing. Morocco and China also have an extradition treaty.
- Education and exchange: Confucius Institutes in Rabat and other Moroccan cities support Chinese language and culture.

Overall, China–Morocco relations have grown from formal diplomacy to a wide-ranging partnership in trade, investment, infrastructure, culture, health, and security, guided by friendship and mutual benefit.