China Reaffirms Strong Support for South Sudan’s Development, Stability

By Simon Deng

China has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting South Sudan’s peace, stability, and development. Chinese Ambassador to South Sudan, Ma Qiang, pledged continued cooperation to help the country translate its resources and national advantages into sustainable development.

Speaking at a reception in Juba celebrating the 77th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, Ambassador Ma stated that Beijing would continue to work with South Sudan while respecting its sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the development path chosen by its people.

“China stands ready to continue supporting South Sudan in transforming its advantages into development momentum, striving for a better tomorrow in both our respective national development and our bilateral relations,” Ma said during the reception on Monday.

He emphasized, “China respects South Sudan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as the development path independently chosen by the South Sudanese people, and supports South Sudan’s peace, stability, and economic and social development.”

The event was attended by various South Sudanese government officials and friends from different sectors, including Kuol Manyang Juuk, Senior Presidential Advisor; Philip Jada Natana, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation; and Labanya Margaret, Minister of Trade and Industry. Also present were diplomatic envoys accredited to South Sudan and members of the overseas Chinese communities in South Sudan.

This year has seen several significant cooperative achievements, including the official launch of the South Sudan Air Traffic Management System, the completion of the main structure for Phase II of the Juba Teaching Hospital renovation and expansion, and the official handover of the China-aided Borehole Drilling and Water Supply Project, which installed 47 water wells across multiple regions in Central Equatoria State and Lakes State.

Last September, President Xi Jinping proposed the Global Governance Initiative, which quickly garnered support from nearly 160 countries and international organizations, with more than 60 countries, including South Sudan, joining the Group of Friends of Global Governance.

Ambassador Ma noted that “this year marks the 105th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China (CPC).” He highlighted that under the CPC’s leadership, the Chinese people have forged a path to modernization suited to China’s national conditions.

“China is unswervingly committed to promoting the cause of international peace. At this very moment, Chinese ‘Blue Helmets’ are rooted in the front lines of peacekeeping in South Sudan and other regions to safeguard peace,” he stated.

Ma further disclosed that, “from the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence to the implementation of the Global Security Initiative (GSI), China has strategized approaches to addressing hotspot issues. China honors its words with actions and firmly defends global peace.”

He also mentioned that Chinese President Xi Jinping has outlined a four-point proposal for promoting peace and stability in the Middle East, as well as a four-point proposal for building a new security architecture in the region, offering China’s solutions for overcoming regional security dilemmas.

“China continues to provide momentum for global economic growth by sharing development dividends with the world and joining hands with over three-quarters of all countries in the world, including South Sudan, to pursue high-quality Belt and Road cooperation,” Ma affirmed.

“China firmly defends the international order, fairness, and justice. Over the past year, the Global Governance Initiative has been deeply embraced, forging broad international consensus and joint efforts for reforming and improving the global governance system.”

Under the framework of the China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges, the Chinese Embassy has hosted dozens of vibrant events, effectively promoting friendship and mutual understanding between the two sisterly countries and their peoples.