On May 11, 2016, King Mohammed VI of Morocco began a historic visit to China, marking a turning point in bilateral relations. The visit led to the establishment of a strategic partnership, with both countries signing multiple agreements in trade, investment, and culture.
Over the past decade, cooperation has expanded significantly. China has become Morocco's third-largest trading partner, with bilateral trade reaching $6.5 billion in 2025, according to the Moroccan Ministry of Industry and Trade. Key sectors include automotive manufacturing, renewable energy, and infrastructure.
In 2022, Morocco and China signed a memorandum of understanding to join the Belt and Road Initiative, further integrating Morocco into global trade routes. Chinese investments in Morocco's Tangier Med port and the Mohammed VI Tangier Tech city project have created thousands of jobs.
Cultural exchanges have also flourished, with Confucius Institutes in Rabat and Casablanca promoting Chinese language and culture. The anniversary was marked by a virtual ceremony on May 23, 2026, attended by Moroccan and Chinese officials, highlighting ongoing collaboration in health and technology.