By Kamel M. – Algeria is now establishing itself as a key player in the energy sector, attracting increasing attention from French media, amid a global energy crisis and ongoing diplomatic tensions between Algiers and Paris.
According to an analysis by BFMTV, the closure of the Strait of Hormuz has highlighted the vulnerability of certain major powers. The media outlet emphasizes that “the closure of the Strait of Hormuz has revealed a certain fragility of China in terms of energy, especially oil.”
Facing this dependency, Beijing is seeking to diversify its sources. BFMTV explains that China “can at least partially” overcome this vulnerability by turning to other partners, especially Algeria, a strategic country that offers “many advantages for the Chinese,” including greater stability compared to the Middle East and an ideal geographical position between Europe and Africa.
China has already established a strong presence there. According to BFMTV, they have been investing there for years with their new silk roads, allowing them to have a structured network of infrastructure and economic cooperation.
In this context, Algeria plays a central role. BFMTV points out that the country is “very important for China in terms of hydrocarbons.” Despite efforts towards energy transition, oil remains essential for Beijing, which still heavily relies on imports to meet its consumption needs.
However, a large portion of China’s oil suppliers transit through the Strait of Hormuz. The media outlet notes that “almost all of these suppliers export their oil through the Strait of Hormuz,” further reinforcing the strategic interest of diversifying towards secure partners like Algeria.
The relations between Algiers and Beijing are well established, notably through the national company Sonatrach, which collaborates with Chinese groups in the hydrocarbon sector, as well as the involvement of companies like Sinopec in the exploitation of certain gas fields.
This dynamic is part of a broader strategy by China, aiming to secure its supplies while managing its energy transition. Algeria is becoming a space for energy rebalancing, where it plays a structuring role, according to reports from Paris.
At the same time, French media closely observe this development, implicitly regretting that France has been led into a policy towards Algeria that is seen as arrogant and counterproductive. In a context of worsened energy crisis due to the war in Ukraine and tensions in the Middle East, Algeria is perceived as a crucial strategic supplier.
K. M.
