How Hassan II Challenged the UN to Embrace China in 1960

Doha – In 1960, Morocco’s Crown Prince Moulay Hassan stood before the United Nations. He questioned the absence of China from the international body. “Is it fair and just that 600 million people, a third of the world’s population, are simply not among us?” he challenged.

The future King Hassan II’s historic appeal for China’s admission to the UN has resurfaced. Chinese state news agency Xinhua recently shed light on this pivotal moment in Sino-Moroccan relations.

The Crown Prince’s powerful address advocated for the inclusion of the People’s Republic of China. He urged UN member states to acknowledge China’s legitimate place in global governance.

“Is it normal that we meet them in our embassies, in our commercial treaties?” he questioned. “Is it possible to imagine meeting Chinese representatives in various embassies while this house, which should be everyone’s house, remains closed to them?”

His appeal emphasized realism in international relations. “I ask the United Nations, I ask all countries present here, to be realistic, to face the problem and admit the People’s Republic of China,” he declared.

The Crown Prince astutely noted that China’s participation would carry “certainly a greater weight than its opposition to the General Assembly of the United Nations.”

UN finally embraces the People’s Republic

Morocco was a key African supporter of China’s admission to the United Nations. Africa contributed the most favorable votes (26) when the People’s Republic of China finally entered the UN in 1971.

The resolution admitting the PRC passed with 76 votes in favor, 35 against, and 17 abstentions. This came after a six-day debate on the resolution initially presented by communist Albania with support from twenty-two other countries.

Prior to 1971, China was represented at the UN by the Republic of China government. This nationalist government had retreated to Taiwan following the communist victory in mainland China in 1949.

The 1971 UN resolution recognized the representatives of the People’s Republic of China as “the only legitimate representatives of China to the United Nations.” It also expelled the representatives of Chiang Kai-shek from the position “they illegally occupy.”

Bridging continents through tangible cooperation

Since establishing diplomatic relations in 1958, Morocco and China have developed strong bilateral ties. These relations are based on mutual respect, solidarity, and trust.

King Mohammed VI’s 2016 visit to China came with a clear message: a renewed commitment to deepening bilateral ties, sealed by the signing of a strategic partnership covering key mutual interests. President Xi Jinping made a stopover in Casablanca last November, where he held talks with Crown Prince Moulay Hassan.

China now stands as Morocco’s third-largest trading partner worldwide and its largest in Asia. Trade between the two countries reached $8 billion in 2023.

Chinese companies increasingly target the Moroccan market. They focus particularly on automotive, renewable energy, textile, and agro-industry sectors.

Morocco serves as China’s gateway to the European Union and the United States. The country’s strategic geographical position and free trade agreements make it a key player in intercontinental relations.

Morocco became the first North African country to join China’s Belt and Road Initiative in 2022. Since then, Morocco has witnessed a surge in strategic Chinese investments.

Major projects include the Mohammed VI City of Tangier Tech, Chinese participation in the Noor solar complex, and railway development between Kenitra, Marrakech, and Agadir.

China Eastern Airlines and Royal Air Maroc launched new flight routes in January. These connect Shanghai and Beijing with Casablanca three times weekly.

Chinese tourism to Morocco has flourished since visa requirements were abolished in 2016. Visitor numbers rose from 118,000 in 2017 to 200,000 in 2019.

Both countries are now engaged in an innovative partnership for 2025-2027. This collaboration aims to tackle water scarcity through advanced treatment facilities and water-saving technologies.

The relationship between Morocco and China continues to evolve. It builds upon the foundation laid decades ago when Crown Prince Hassan advocated for China on the world stage.