ABSTRACT
The People’s Republic of China (PRC) has been interested and active in Africa for over half a century.1 Since its establishment in 1949, Communist China has sought to engage the entire world as a respected, global power. When did China first become involved in Africa?2 How was it operating in Africa and what did it achieve? One of China’s earliest efforts at meddling in African affairs was its support for Algerian independence during the French-Algerian war (1954-1962). China was operating in North Africa, despite being a newly established nation. China’s support for Algerian independence has not been examined independently or in great detail. China’s military assistance to Africa has been overlooked as well. Garnering a greater understanding of Chinese activities in Algeria, therefore, will help clarify current and future analyses of Chinese actions – including military assistance – in Africa.
