China Expands Strategic Footprint in Libya with Major Infrastructure and Energy Projects

China is deepening its influence in Libya through ambitious infrastructure and energy projects, positioning the North African nation as a key hub for its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Focused on eastern Libya, particularly the port city of Tobruk, Beijing aims to transform the region into a critical logistics and energy transit node.
Central to these plans is a proposed $10 billion oil refinery in Tobruk, capable of processing 500,000 barrels per day, along with port upgrades and railway connections linking Libya to Egypt and beyond. These projects would create a multimodal trade corridor, enabling China to strengthen its supply chains and expand its economic influence in Africa, Europe, and Asia.
The strategic importance of Tobruk lies in its proximity to Europe and direct access to the Suez Canal. China’s investments in infrastructure, energy, and logistics are designed to bypass traditional maritime chokepoints and enhance its control over global trade flows. However, these developments have raised concerns among Western analysts about potential geopolitical and security implications for Europe and NATO.

Published: 7/7/2025