/Silk Road News Network/

The Ambassador Dong Guangli: A Deeper Strategic Partnership Between Algeria and China in 2026, with an Unprecedented Expansion of Economic and Cultural Cooperation

Abdelkader KHELIL*

During a meeting with national, the Chinese Ambassador to Algeria, Mr. Dong Guangli, stated that Algeria–China relations are experiencing remarkable momentum and that 2026 will mark a pivotal stage in strengthening the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries. This development coincides with the launch of China’s new 15th Five-Year Plan and with Algeria’s ongoing project to build the “New Republic.”

Mr. Dong noted that both countries are entering a decisive year: China aims to implement the objectives of its fifteenth Five-Year Plan in 2026, while Algeria continues its major reforms. He emphasized that Beijing is ready to work with Algiers to materialize the agreements reached by the two heads of state, deepen people-to-people and economic cooperation, and elevate the partnership to even higher levels.

The ambassador praised President Abdelmadjid Tebboune’s strong support for the mining sector, which he says is witnessing significant growth. He recalled the active participation of Chinese companies, working closely with their Algerian counterparts, in major mining projects—most notably the Gara Djebilet iron mine—while expanding areas of cooperation. Both sides are committed to combining their technological strengths and expertise with Algeria’s abundant natural resources, strengthening the country’s capacities in mineral processing and related infrastructure development, and supporting a shift from simply exporting raw materials to producing high value-added goods in line with the principles of green development.

Mr. Dong stated that cooperation between the two countries is no longer limited to infrastructure, trade, and energy. It now extends to new energies, digitalization, modern agriculture, and artificial intelligence. He also highlighted that Chinese companies are establishing factories for the production of vehicles and home appliances, participating in technology-transfer projects, and contributing to the training of Algerian technicians.

The ambassador noted that the Algerian-Chinese Investment Forum, successfully held last April under the high patronage of the President of the Republic, resulted in the signing of eight agreements exceeding USD 2 billion. Several projects are now entering the implementation phase, including the joint Hisense–Condor factory. He affirmed that Algeria’s business climate has become more attractive and that Chinese companies have expressed a strong desire to expand their presence in the Algerian market.

He estimated Chinese investments in Algeria at approximately USD 7 billion, emphasizing that several landmark infrastructures under the Belt and Road Initiative—such as the Algiers International Airport, the International Conference Center, the Great Mosque, and the East–West Highway—have become true reference models. Railway and digitalization projects are also progressing steadily, strengthening the foundations of industrialization and economic diversification while supporting the country’s modernization path.

Regarding the promotion of the Chinese language and cultural cooperation, Mr. Dong welcomed the inauguration of the first Confucius Institute in Algeria and the opening of Chinese-language departments at the Universities of Algiers and Constantine. He reaffirmed China’s readiness to study the opening of a Chinese cultural center in Algeria and to establish new Chinese-language programs in universities across the country.

The ambassador explained that China is steadily advancing toward its goal of Chinese-style modernization by 2035, following a two-step strategy. He stated that China’s strength lies in its political system, the scale of its domestic market, its integrated industrial network, and its human resources.

Addressing economic tensions with the United States, Mr. Dong stressed that the trade war benefits no one. He called for solutions based on equality, respect, and mutual benefit, asserting that China will continue to uphold the multilateral trading system and share development opportunities with Global South countries. He reaffirmed Beijing’s position: “dialogue instead of confrontation.”

The ambassador also provided a detailed historical analysis of the Taiwan issue while criticizing what he described as provocative statements made by the Japanese Prime Minister, which he considers harmful to the foundations of bilateral relations. He revealed that China had advised its citizens to avoid traveling to Japan due to an increase in assaults and extremist rhetoric targeting Chinese nationals. He insisted that China’s sovereignty over Taiwan “is an established right confirmed by international law, and that no one can obstruct it.”

In response to a question regarding the Xinjiang region, he affirmed that its population is experiencing an unprecedented period of stability and development thanks to Beijing’s development policies. He accused some international parties of “distorting facts” and spreading unfounded allegations, inviting Algerians to visit the region to see the reality for themselves.

Algeria’s Reforms: A Positive Vision and Broad Prospects for Cooperation

The ambassador expressed China’s satisfaction with the economic reforms undertaken by Algeria—particularly following President Tebboune’s visit to Beijing—which have improved the business environment, accelerated the issuance of authorizations, and modernized investment laws. He stated that China is ready to expand its cooperation with Algeria in the fields of mining, mechanical industry, new energies, green industry, and to offer financial cooperation including currency exchange mechanisms and greater use of the yuan.

In conclusion, Mr. Dong recalled that Algerian-Chinese relations are deeply rooted in history and in the solidarity between the two peoples since the era of national liberation. This shared human heritage continues to be a driving force for strengthening cooperation in culture, education, and people-to-people exchanges.

The press conference was attended by numerous Algerian media outlets—print, audiovisual, and digital—as well as members of the Algerian-Chinese Friendship Association, including its president, Dr. Ismaïl Debbash, and Dr. Hassan Maghdouri, Director of the National Museum of the Mujahid.

*KHELIL Abdelkader – Editor-in-chief of the Silk Road News Network, Algeria