South Sudan president among 1st leaders to arrive in Beijing for FOCAC

By Enoch Wong /CGTN

 President Salva Kiir Mayardit of South Sudan is among the first group of African leaders to arrive in Beijing for the 2024 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Summit, marking the 13th anniversary of China-South Sudan relations and the 75th anniversary of the People’s Republic of China. The summit presents a crucial opportunity for South Sudan to strengthen partnerships, secure investments, and advance its development goals, underscoring the deepening ties between China and Africa.

President Salva Kiir Mayardit has arrived in Beijing, becoming one of the first African leaders to reach the Chinese capital ahead of the 2024 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Summit, which begins this week. His early arrival underscores South Sudan’s strategic engagement with China, a relationship increasingly central to the nation’s development and stability.

The FOCAC Summit, scheduled from September 4 to 6, is the largest diplomatic event hosted by China in recent years, drawing leaders from across Africa under the theme “Joining Hands to Advance Modernization and Build a High-Level China-Africa Community with a Shared Future.” This gathering underscores the depth and breadth of China-Africa relations, which have evolved significantly over the past two decades.

This year’s summit is particularly momentous, as it coincides with the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China and the 13th anniversary of China-South Sudan diplomatic relations. These milestones add a layer of significance to President Kiir’s visit, symbolizing the deep-rooted ties between the two nations and their shared commitment to long-term cooperation.

For South Sudan, the summit presents a crucial opportunity. Since gaining independence in 2011, the country has navigated numerous challenges, from internal conflicts to economic instability. Amid these trials, China has emerged as a reliable partner, particularly in the development of South Sudan’s vital oil sector. As South Sudan’s largest trading partner and a key investor, China’s role in the nation’s economic landscape is growing.

During the summit, President Xi Jinping will deliver a keynote address, where he is expected to announce new initiatives that align with Africa’s long-term development strategies, including the African Union’s Agenda 2063. For South Sudan, these initiatives could translate into substantial investments in infrastructure, agriculture and energy—sectors critical to the country’s growth.

The FOCAC platform, established in 2000, has become the cornerstone of China-Africa relations, facilitating unprecedented levels of cooperation. Over the past 24 years, FOCAC has solidified China’s position as Africa’s largest trading partner and a major investor in the continent’s future. The 2024 summit is poised to build on this legacy, with discussions focusing on high-quality development, peace and security, and deepened economic ties through the Belt and Road Initiative.

President Kiir’s participation in this summit is particularly significant as it coincides with ongoing efforts to strengthen South Sudan’s economy and improve living standards. Chinese Ambassador to South Sudan Ma Qiang, at a recent forum in Juba, emphasized the importance of pragmatic cooperation between China and South Sudan, highlighting key projects such as the China-aided Clement Mboro Bridge and the Juba-Rumbek road. These projects symbolize China’s commitment to supporting South Sudan’s development, even as the country faces economic challenges exacerbated by regional instability and inflationary pressures.

The summit’s outcomes will be encapsulated in two key documents: the Declaration and the Action Plan, which will guide China-Africa cooperation over the next three years. For South Sudan, these documents are more than diplomatic statements—they represent a blueprint for action, offering pathways to enhance self-development capabilities and attract further investment.

As South Sudan continues its journey toward peace and prosperity, President Kiir’s engagement at the FOCAC Summit underscores the critical role of strategic international partnerships. The decisions made in Beijing this week will shape the future of South Sudan’s development, with the potential to secure the resources and support necessary to overcome the nation’s challenges.

For South Sudan, the stakes at FOCAC are high. The summit offers a platform to secure the backing needed to build a future defined by peace, stability and progress. As the nation’s leader engages with his counterparts in Beijing, there is hope that South Sudan’s voice will resonate, and its aspirations for a brighter future will be realized.