Before the 2011 revolution that toppled Muammar Gaddafi and led to a bloody civil war in Libya, China had vast interests in the oil-rich North African nation. Recently, signs have begun to emerge that China is ready to return to the energy-rich, yet still politically divided, country. On June 10, Libyan Minister of Economy and Trade Mohamed al Hwej issued a directive to activate the Libyan-Chinese Joint Economic Chamber. He said that Libya exported US$36 billion worth of oil in 2023 and China accounted for US$2.2 billion of this total. “Engaging in economic cooperation and infrastructure projects with Libya advances two Chinese goals – achieving energy security and increasing China’s influence in Africa.”
