Special to WorldTribune.com

CAIRO — China plans to establish strategic ties with another U.S. ally in the Middle East.

Officials said China has been planning a summit with Morocco in an effort to establish a strategic alliance.

Officials said Morocco has been dismayed by relations with Washington under President Barack Obama. They cited tension amid the U.S. support for neighboring Algeria as well as efforts to undermine Rabat’s control of the disputed Western Sahara.

The officials said the alliance could be formally launched during a visit by Moroccan King Mohammed to Beijing.

“We welcome this invitation,” a Moroccan official said.

The summit was regarded as another step in China’s campaign to target U.S. allies in the Middle East. Beijing has restored or enhanced relations with such U.S. allies as Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

The Moroccan Royal Court confirmed plans for a summit with China. But a
statement on Dec. 23 did not give a date for the king’s visit to Beijing or the agenda of such a meeting.

So far, China has established diplomatic and economic relations with
Rabat. Officials said at least 20 Chinese companies were operating in
Morocco, with trade in 2012 reported at 300 million euro.

  China seeks strategic alliance with U.S. ally Morocco, Moroccan King Mohammed, Moroccan Royal Court, Rabat, Western Sahara