The Chinese Ambassador to South Sudan, Ma Qiang, has pledged Beijing’s continued support to South Sudan’s development and modernisation efforts, highlighting new opportunities arising from China’s latest national development plan.
Speaking at a symposium on the Important Achievements of the Fourth Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC), Ambassador Ma said the session, which concluded on 23 October, marked a crucial moment as China advances towards its socialist modernisation goals.
He explained that the key outcome of the meeting was the adoption of recommendations for the 15th five-year plan, which will guide China’s economic and social development in the coming years. He said the plan emphasises greater openness, innovation, and strengthened leadership of the CPC.
The envoy outlined several areas of interest to South Sudan, including China’s pledge to grant zero-tariff treatment for all products from 53 African countries with diplomatic ties to Beijing, among them South Sudan. He urged Juba to seize the opportunity to expand its exports to China.
He further noted that China will promote high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, deepen investment partnerships, and enhance collaboration in green energy, digital innovation, and infrastructure development.
Highlighting China’s domestic progress, Ambassador Ma said the country’s GDP is projected to reach about 140 trillion yuan in 2025, contributing nearly 30 percent of global economic growth. He added that achievements in poverty reduction, education, and technology demonstrate the success of China’s people-centred approach.
He reaffirmed China’s readiness to work with South Sudan in pursuing shared modernisation and prosperity.
“Embracing China is embracing opportunities,” he said, adding that peace and stability would enable South Sudan to fully realise its development potential.
For his part, Kuol Manyang Juk, Senior Presidential Advisor, commended China for its steadfast partnership with South Sudan, describing it as a “true friend and brother in times of need.”
Manyang said China’s remarkable transformation, guided by clear vision and discipline, offers valuable lessons for South Sudan’s own nation-building journey.
He praised China’s principle of non-interference and its support for Africa through infrastructure development, trade, and education, contrasting it with the exploitative legacy of colonial powers and the restrictive policies of some Western financial institutions.
Manyang urged South Sudan to draw inspiration from China’s governance model and party discipline, noting that poverty and disunity within the SPLM have fuelled recurring internal conflicts. He proposed introducing a national service programme for youth to promote unity and patriotism. He further called for stronger China–South Sudan cooperation in agriculture, oil, infrastructure, and education to unlock the country’s vast natural potential and achieve lasting peace and prosperity.
Meanwhile, Tong Xiaoling, Vice President of the China Public Diplomacy Association, highlighted that China’s new 15th Five-Year Plan (2026–2030) will drive the country’s next phase of modernisation through six guiding principles, including upholding Party leadership, prioritising the people, high-quality development, reform, balanced governance, and security.
She outlined five key takeaways from the Fourth Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee: faster economic growth, stronger innovation, greater openness, improved people’s welfare, and greener development. Xiaoling said China will boost manufacturing, digital industries, and scientific innovation, while continuing to open its markets and strengthen Belt and Road cooperation.
She noted that China has lifted 800 million people out of poverty and now enjoys over 95% health and pension coverage. In the next five years, China aims to promote common prosperity, environmental sustainability, and a better quality of life for all.
Xiaoling reaffirmed that China’s progress presents shared opportunities for global partners, including South Sudan.