The Complexities of the China-Libya Relationship

 The ChinaMed Project published on 30 January 2026 an analysis titled "China and the Libyan Crisis: Maintaining a Foot in the Door in a Changing Region" by Bianca Pasquier and Leonardo Bruni.  

This paper revisits the past decade of Chinese engagement in Libya, tracing Beijing's evolving relations with the country's factions and situating them within a regional context.  It concludes that China is unlikely to engage deeply in Libya's power struggles.  Beijing will likely keep its options open, be present but uncommitted.  

China Benefits from Pakistani JF-17 Thunder Aircraft Sales to Libyan National Army

 Military Africa published on 5 January 2026 an article titled "Pakistan to Supply 16 JF-17s and 12 Super Mushshak Aircraft to Libyan Faction."

Pakistan signed a $4 billion deal with Khalifa Haftar's Libyan National Army (LNA) to supply advanced military hardware, including 16 JF-17 Thunder aircraft produced jointly by the Pakistan Aeronautical Complex and China's Chengdu Aircraft Industry Group.  The LNA controls the east and south of Libya, including critical oilfields.  The LNA is a rival force to the United Nations-recognized Government of National Unity in Tripoli. The introduction of 16 JF-17s could radically alter the security landscape of North Africa.

The deal represents a sophisticated maneuver by Beijing to expand its influence in North Africa while avoiding direct violation of an arms embargo.  By routing these sales through Pakistan, China can sidestep regulatory and political scrutiny that accompanies sales into sanctioned territory.  Although the JF-17 incorporates Chinese radars, engines, and missiles, it is technically a Pakistani product.  The LNA also has received Chinese drones and WRJ-Q02 anti-drone guns.

China-Libya Relations

 The Middle East Institute published on 22 December 2020 an analysis titled "China's Libya Policy and the BRI: Sights Set on the Future" by Mordechai Chaziza, Ashkelon Academic College, Israel.  

The author concludes that in an effort to advance its Belt and Road Initiative, China is moving from a neutral position in Libya to one of greater prominence.  

China Balances Its Relations between Libyan Government and Libya National Army

 The Middle East Institute published on 22 December 2020 an analysis titled "China's Libya Policy and the BRI: Sights Set on the Future" by Mordechai Chaziza.  

Officially, China supports the UN-backed Government of National Accord (GNA) in Libya.  Chinese diplomats meet with GNA officials while keeping economic channels open but they are careful not to burn bridges with the opposition Libya National Army led by Khalifa Haftar.