Defence ties between Algiers and Beijing are as old as the Algerian state itself, with China being a major supporter of the National Liberation Front which fought against the French presence in the 1960s. Apparently, the Algerian Armed Forces seem satisfied with the latter, since, during a week-long visit to China in November, Algerian Army Chief, General Saïd Chanegriha, expressed his interest in Beijing’s ships and drones. What’s more, even though Algiers’ military budget is twice as large as Morocco’s ($22bn/$12bn in 2022), Rabat can now count on general support from the United States, as well as weapons and technology transfers from Israel since the Abraham Agreement in 2020.