Algerian Foreign Policy In The Period Of Bouteflika And Its Influence On China - Algerian Relations

Algeria is the largest country in Africa. With abundant natural resources and one ofthe major economies in Africa, Algeria has magnificent influence in Africa, the Arabcountries and the Islamic world. In the past, Algeria has been under the colonial rule ofFrance, has fought arduously for its independence, and has suffered from the widespreadterrorism during the Black Decade. The foreign policies of Algeria have beenimperceptibly affected by its geographic position, historical origin, ethnic characteristics,security situation and cultural tradition, etc. Since President Bouteflika came into power in1999, relying on his rich diplomatic experiences and keen insight, he on one hand startedthe process of national reconciliation to restore stability and security all over the country,on the other hand adopted a positive, active and open foreign strategy, endeavored todevelop external relations and gradually regained Algeria’s position in the internationalcommunity.Algeria and China share a traditional friendship, and the foreign policy pursued byBouteflika further boosted the development of China-Algeria relationship. The rapiddevelopment of China-Algeria relationship not only brings tangible interests to the twocountries, but also has a demonstration effect on the development of the relationshipbetween China and other developing countries. This paper focuses on the comprehensivereview of the Algeria’s foreign policy and the influencing factors since Bouteflika tookpower, elaborates the positive effect of Algeria’s foreign policy on China-Algeriarelationship, the importance of developing China-Algeria relationship, and renders adviceon the future development of the relationship between the two countries.