Refining Relations: Chad’s Growing Links with China

This policy briefing examines the rapid expansion of economic and political ties between Chad and China since 2006, centered primarily on oil investment and the Rônier project. It analyzes how President Idriss Déby has integrated Chinese assistance into his domestic political strategy and the resulting tensions over oil pricing and regional security.

• Chad shifted its diplomatic recognition from Taiwan to Beijing on 6 August 2006. This tactical move by President Idriss Déby was driven by the need for regime survival, seeking aid, investment, and military assistance from a permanent UN Security Council member, as well as leveraging China's role as a key partner to Sudan during a proxy war between N'Djamena and Khartoum.
• The Rônier project is the central element of Sino-Chadian economic relations, consisting of a 311 km pipeline and a refinery in Djarmaya. The project cost $1 billion, funded by the China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC) and the China Exim Bank. The refinery, which began production in March 2011 and was inaugurated in late June, is owned 60% by CNPCIC and 40% by the Chadian state via the Société des Hydrocarbures du Tchad.
• The Rônier project's capacity includes oilfield production of 20,000 barrels a day (potentially increasing to 60,000) and a refinery capacity of 40,000 barrels a day. The project includes a power plant expected to produce 40 MW, with 20 MW allocated to the Société nationale d’électricité. While this helps the network, it is insufficient for N'Djamena's 100 MW consumption.
• A significant dispute arose between the CNPC and the Chadian government over refined petroleum prices. President Déby announced a 'social' price of XAF 200 per litre to fulfill campaign promises, which conflicted with the market prices needed for CNPC to recover its investment. This led the CNPC to put refining on hold and eventually resulted in the Djarmaya refinery being shut down on 19 January 2012, before reopening later that month.
• China's security strategy in the region involves a 'de facto division of labour' where it benefits from the security umbrella provided by the French military. This allows China to focus on investment while France manages the security response. However, the document notes that potential French withdrawal could force China to revise its development-security calculus to protect its investments.
• China has engaged in diplomatic interventions to improve relations between Chad and Sudan, primarily to protect its own bilateral interests. This included shuttle diplomacy by special envoy Liu Guijin, who urged both nations to practice 'good neighbourliness' following a February 2008 rebel attack on N'Djamena.

APA

Dittgen, R., & Large, D. (2012). Refining Relations: Chad’s Growing Links with China. South African Institute of International Affairs. https://saiia.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/Policy-Briefing-48.pdf

Chicago

Dittgen, Romain, and Daniel Large. Refining Relations: Chad’s Growing Links with China. South African Institute of International Affairs, 2012. https://saiia.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/Policy-Briefing-48.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |last1=Dittgen |first1=Romain |last2=Large |first2=Daniel |title=Refining Relations: Chad’s Growing Links with China |publisher=South African Institute of International Affairs |date=June 2012 |url=https://saiia.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/Policy-Briefing-48.pdf |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{dittgen2012refining, author = {Dittgen, Romain and Large, Daniel}, title = {{Refining Relations: Chad’s Growing Links with China}}, institution = {South African Institute of International Affairs}, year = {2012}, month = jun, url = {https://saiia.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/Policy-Briefing-48.pdf}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }