During the French colonial period, many Algerian students and scientists were educated in France, and a subset studied at top institutions like the Curie Institute in Paris, where they could gain advanced knowledge in physics, chemistry, and nuclear science.

This is important context because:

1. Technical Expertise Transfer: Algerian scientists trained in France could bring knowledge of nuclear techniques, experimental methods, and laboratory protocols back to Algeria.

2. Residual Knowledge: After Algerian independence in 1962, these trained scientists remained a potential resource for any country (like the PRC) seeking information on French nuclear programs.

3. Third-Party Channel: The combination of French-educated Algerian scientists, remaining French nuclear infrastructure, and Algeria’s diplomatic alignment with the PRC created a plausible indirect avenue for China to observe or gather technical insights.