Rabat – Moroccan Ambassador to China Aziz Mekouar has reiterated Morocco’s adherence to the one-China policy, stating that this approach forms the foundation of relations between Rabat and Beijing.
The ambassador said that ”Morocco continues to support the People’s Republic of China on this issue and renews its positions expressed many times, at different levels, both bilaterally and within international organizations.”
The diplomat stated that the adherence to the policy is in line with Morocco’s positions and principles characterized by constancy, responsibility, and reliability concerning respect for national sovereignty, territorial integrity and the non-interference in the internal affairs of other UN members.
China’s “One China” policy comes from the 1992 consensus between China and Taiwan, it states that China, including the island of Taiwan, are part of one Chinese nation.
Beijing and Taipei however do differ on which government is the legitimate ruler of this territory, with some elements of their politics claiming to be the legitimate government of the entirety of China. Adherence to the One China policy is one of the factors that has stopped Taiwan from declaring independence, as some parts of its body politic still insist on its right to rule China.
Recalling Morocco’s attachment to diplomatic relations between the two countries, Mekouar stressed that Rabat and Beijing are determined to strengthen cooperation through the establishment of an institutionalized strategic partnership in order to intensify trade, promote investment, and create new opportunities for bilateral cooperation in all areas.
Mekouar’s remarks followed recent developments between Taiwan and China. The Chinese government received backlash for its recent military operations near Taiwan. The military drills followed the visit of US White House spokeswoman Nancy Pelosi to Taiwan for talks.
Morocco and China share a 64-year long diplomatic ties based on exchanges of visits and cooperation at different levels, including trade.
According to the Observatory of Economic Complexity (OEC), China exported $4.83 billion to Morocco in 220. China’s main exports to Morocco include pile fabric, broadcasting equipment, and tea.
Morocco, meanwhile, exported $410 million to China in the same year. The exports included copper ore, zinc ore, and scrap copper.
