Development Discourses in Post-crisis Contexts: The BRI in the Post-crisis Context of Libya

In the past two decades, China has significantly enhanced its economic footprint in North Africa via trade and investment. The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has emerged as a primary driver of Beijing’s growing economic ties with the region. Libya’s geographic proximity to Eastern Mediterranean ports and its considerable oil reserves have made it important to China’s energy and geostrategic interests. Libya represents an arena of significant economic potential and investment opportunity, largely contingent on the success of its post-conflict political transition. In this respect, China has avoided military involvement in Libya’s civil wars since the initial outbreak of armed conflict in 2011. In Libya and elsewhere, Beijing’s policy of non-interference has set it apart from other regional and global powers such as Russia, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates. This chapter will examine Beijing’s various objectives in Libya, both within the content of and beyond the BRI. The chapter will examine China’s approach to engagement with various actors in Libya in relation to key tenets of Chinese foreign policy. We will conclude by exploring opportunities for and challenges to China’s long-term aspirations in Libya.