Economic partnership between Algeria and China continues its upward trajectory with trade volume reaching an estimated $9 billion during the first half of 2026, representing a 28% year-on-year increase. Meanwhile, Algerian exports to the Chinese market surged by 111%, hitting $980 million. According to Chinese Ambassador to Algeria Dong Guangli, these figures illustrate the continuous strengthening of the strategic alliance connecting both nations.
Speaking Sunday evening during celebrations marking the 77th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, the diplomat emphasized that China’s zero-tariff policy for African nations continues to streamline the entry of Algerian goods into the massive Chinese market.
This trade surge coincides with a rapid expansion of structural mega-projects. The ambassador highlighted the Gara Djebilet mining railway line—described as Algeria’s “project of the century”—which is now completed and commissioned, alongside the inauguration of the National Digital Services Center. He also noted accelerated progress on other major developments, including the integrated phosphate project in eastern Algeria. “The presence of Chinese enterprises is visible everywhere,” observed Dong Guangli, noting that the tangible results of bilateral cooperation are now widely evident.
However, collaboration extends far beyond commerce and heavy infrastructure. Over the first six months of the current year, the number of Algerian citizens traveling to China doubled compared to the same timeframe in 2025. Simultaneously, Chinese language courses offered by the Confucius Institute are drawing expanding interest, while the upcoming launch of a direct flight route between Algiers and Shanghai remains highly anticipated, according to the envoy.
In this context, Dong Guangli underlined the positive momentum driven by Presidents Xi Jinping and Abdelmadjid Tebboune. He referenced the exchange of congratulatory messages between both heads of state following the successful launches of the Alsat-3A and Alsat-3B satellites, an achievement heralded as a fresh catalyst for the bilateral partnership.
For the Chinese ambassador, the proliferation of economic initiatives, expanding trade exchanges, and deepening human ties demonstrate an increasingly concrete Sino-Algerian partnership.
Expressing “profound pride” in the friendship uniting both countries and firm confidence in its future, Dong Guangli urged continued strategic alignment between Chinese-style modernization and the building of a “New Algeria.” This alignment aims to translate mutual development opportunities into shared benefits for both peoples while opening fresh chapters in the Sino-Algerian comprehensive strategic partnership.
As China embarks on its 15th Five-Year Plan, Ambassador Dong Guangli highlighted the resilience of the Chinese economy amid a complex international climate. The economy posted 4.7% growth in the first half of 2026, marking its strongest expansion rate in five years. High-end manufacturing, digital and smart economy sectors, and modern services accounted for over 40% of that growth.
Despite rising global protectionism, Beijing affirms its commitment to economic opening, notably through zero-tariff policies granted to 63 nations. Chinese imports grew by 22% in the first half, outpacing export growth. For Dong Guangli, this dynamic establishes “China Opportunity 2.0” as a stabilizing factor offering new prospects for the global economy.
The ambassador also pointed to global development and global governance initiatives introduced by President Xi Jinping. Over one hundred countries and international organizations participate in resulting collaborative frameworks. Eighty-eight nations, including Algeria, have joined the Group of Friends of the Global Development Initiative, while over 60 countries have joined the group dedicated to global governance.
Through these efforts, Beijing intends to advance a “more equitable and reasonable” international governance system grounded in consultation, joint contributions, and shared benefits.
Regarding Middle Eastern affairs, Dong Guangli reaffirmed Beijing’s call for an immediate cessation of hostilities and the consolidation of ceasefires, based on respect for national sovereignty, international law, peaceful coexistence, and a balanced approach to development and security.
On the Palestinian issue, China advocates for a political settlement, the principle that “Palestinians govern Palestine,” and adherence to humanitarian principles, equity, and justice. Beijing intends to maintain joint efforts with the international community to reach a comprehensive, fair, and lasting resolution.
Concluding his address, the ambassador recalled the 55th anniversary of the restoration of China’s lawful seat at the UN, highlighting Algeria’s key role as a co-sponsor of Resolution 2758 in 1971. He assured that this historic contribution “will never be forgotten” by China.
Dong Guangli also referenced several Chinese initiatives—including the Belt and Road Initiative, the International Organization for Mediation (IOMed), and the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization (WAICO)—as concrete contributions by Beijing toward global governance.