The Chinese Embassy in South Sudan on Thursday awarded cash prizes and certificates to 22 South Sudanese participants in a creative writing contest focused on China’s modernization.
The competition, titled Chinese Modernization in My Eyes, is part of a cultural diplomacy initiative launched by Chinese embassies and consulates around the world. It invites people outside China to share personal reflections on the country’s development in areas such as technology, infrastructure, economy, society, culture, and lifestyle.
Winners were recognized in four categories: first, second, third, and encouragement awards.
Speaking at the awards ceremony, Chinese Ambassador to South Sudan Ma Qiang highlighted the importance of partnership between China and Africa.
“Last September, at the opening of the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, President Xi Jinping proposed that China and Africa should promote modernization that is just and equitable, open and win-win, people-first, inclusive, eco-friendly, peaceful and secure,” Ma said.
“We are working together with the South Sudanese government to implement the summit’s outcomes and support South Sudan in its modernization process,” he added. “Chinese modernization isn’t about racing to the top; it’s about lifting each other up. China is ready to be a fellow traveler and true friend on South Sudan’s path to modernization.”
Among the awardees was Emmanuel Ambrose Raphael, who said the honor symbolized more than personal recognition.
“Today’s bridges aren’t just made of steel or stone — they’re built through trust, dialogue and shared dreams,” he said. “This award is a celebration of values, understanding and mutual respect between the people of South Sudan and China.”
Santino Mathiang Mabor, another recipient, said his essay, titled How the Chinese Modernization Touched the Heart of South Sudan and Her State, was inspired by visible development projects such as roads, hospitals, and commercial infrastructure.
“These are real, tangible changes that have touched lives across the country — in villages, towns, and cities alike,” Mabor said. “To me, Chinese modernization is not only a story of domestic progress but also one of global partnership — especially with countries like South Sudan.”
He expressed gratitude to China, saying, “China has been with us for a very long time. I just want to say thank you to the people of China for standing with us.”
Another winner, Daniel Abocha Ali, emphasized the importance of global cooperation over interference.
“The world doesn’t need sanctions or interference. It needs collaboration,” he said. “If we join hands, we won’t just see Chinese modernization — we’ll see the modernization of the world.”
Ali called for continued cooperation between China and South Sudan.