Revitalizing Sino-Tunisian Relations through the Belt and Road Initiative: Post-Pandemic Diplomatic and Developmental Gains

This article examines the transformation of Sino-Tunisian relations trajectories, focusing on the post-pandemic era and highlighting how the BRI evolved into an essential framework for China in Tunisia. During the COVID-19 pandemic, China expanded its health and economic aid to Tunisia, making their diplomatic relations enter a new chapter. As Tunisia is facing internal challenges and shifting global alliances, the BRI offers a new path to strengthen its economic resilience and diversify its international partners. Recent developmental gains, such as infrastructure projects, technological collaborations, and cultural exchanges, lead to the establishment of the 2024 China-Tunisia Strategic Partnership. This milestone showcases the commitment of China to deepening bilateral ties with Tunisia and Tunisia’s “looking-east” pivot for sustainable development. By focusing on the recent years’ developments of Sino-Tunisian relations, this article brings a unique point of view on how BRI enhances Tunisia’s position in the MENA region and how China’s growing influence in North Africa.