South Sudan's English Daily Newspaper
"We Dare where others fear"
By Simon Deng
The Chinese Embassy in South Sudan On Thursday, awarded 22 South Sudanese winners for their outstanding contributions to the creative competition titled “Chinese Modernization in My Eyes,”
Ma Qiang, the Chinese ambassador to South Sudan, stated that China’s path to modernization shares common features with that of other nations, while also reflecting unique Chinese characteristics shaped by national conditions.
“It is modernization on a vast scale. With a population exceeding 1.4 billion, China collectively enters the phase of modernization, surpassing the combined population of all developed countries. This represents the largest and most challenging modernisation in human history,” Ma said.
He emphasised that Chinese modernisation is rooted in the principle that development should benefit the people, promoting common prosperity for all.
“In general, modernisation brings abundant material and spiritual wealth, along with a sense of self-confidence and self-reliance in both reality and culture, fostering the comprehensive development of individuals,” he explained.
“We believe that South Sudan will enjoy a bright future filled with peace, security, prosperity, and progress. We share dreams, understanding, and cooperation between the people of South Sudan and the Chinese public,” he added.
Ma highlighted the characteristics of Chinese modernisation and expressed China’s readiness to accompany South Sudan as a true friend on its path to modernisation.
He expressed hope that the award winners would continue to engage with and support China’s development, sharing the narrative of China and its modernisation with more South Sudanese friends, thereby deepening mutual understanding between the two peoples.
Daniel Abocha Ali, one of the winners and chairman of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) Youth League, remarked that South Sudanese and Africans share cultural similarities with the Chinese, advocating for unity in pursuing development as the Chinese have achieved.
Ali concluded that the people of South Sudan will always remember the support provided by the Chinese government and people since South Sudan’s independence in 2011, emphasising the need for collaboration with China to realise African modernisation.
“This message is for us, the people of South Sudan and Africa at large: nothing is impossible in this world; it requires peace and unity, and we too can achieve African modernisation through our own perspectives,” Ali asserted.
Abuk Augustino, a journalist at the South Sudan Broadcasting Corporation and another winner, stated that Chinese modernisation encompasses not only advanced infrastructure and industry but also the creation of a comfortable, safe, and opportunity-rich life for the people.
“These past three months have been a journey of innovation and efficiency, exemplifying how modernisation can be both ambitious and people-centred,” Augustino remarked.
“In China, I discovered a society where innovation is people-focused, where you can affordably catch a train and connect with the world, all at your fingertips. Here, global development harmonises with creative spaces and cultural preservation,” he added.
Emanuel Ambrose, another winner, noted that the accolades from the creative works competition on Chinese modernisation signify the enduring friendship between China and South Sudan.
“This serves as a testament to a continuous friendship between our two cultures; we do not merely exchange traditions, but we share stories, aspirations, and a belief in the dignity of every community,” Ambrose stated.
Chinese Embassy in South Sudan Holds Award Ceremony and Exchange Symposium for “Chinese Modernization in My Eyes” Competition
On August 14, 2025, the Chinese Embassy in South Sudan hosted the award ceremony and exchange symposium for the “Chinese Modernization in My Eyes” competition. Ambassador Ma Qiang attended and delivered remarks. Over 40 participants, including winners from various sectors of South Sudanese society, attended the event.
The winners, deeply moved, expressed that Chinese modernisation is not solely “China’s story” but also an achievement for the broader developing world, significantly contributing to the development of African countries like South Sudan. They affirmed that China is the only trustworthy partner for South Sudan and expressed confidence that, with the support of their Chinese friends, South Sudan will ultimately achieve its own modernisation in the future.
