South Sudanese officials on Monday praised China as a key partner and example of economic transformation, as they joined Chinese diplomats in Juba to mark the 76th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China.
Speaking at the event, Cabinet Affairs Minister Martin Elia Lomuro said South Sudan looks to China as a model for long-term development and poverty reduction.
“We draw inspiration from China’s discipline, long-term vision, and commitment to lifting millions out of poverty,” Lomuro said. He added that President Salva Kiir had sent a personal message of congratulations to Chinese President Xi Jinping.
“South Sudan sees in China a model of what can be achieved with resilience and foresight,” Lomuro said. “We can learn from China’s commitment to infrastructure as a foundation for growth and adopt its emphasis on education, innovation, and self-reliance to empower our youth.”
Lomuro described China as a “true friend” to South Sudan since the country gained independence in 2011, citing Chinese support for projects including road construction, hospital development, oil infrastructure, and technical assistance in airspace management.
Chinese Ambassador to South Sudan Ma Qiang highlighted his country’s rapid economic rise, saying that China’s development was driven by strategic planning and the implementation of five-year national plans.
“China has lifted nearly 800 million people out of poverty. We have shown that poverty eradication is not a dream,” Ma said. “As South Sudan continues on its path of development, we believe it can achieve similar success.”
The ambassador also pointed to China’s ongoing contributions in South Sudan, including humanitarian aid, university scholarships for South Sudanese students, and infrastructure projects such as the Juba-Rumbek Highway, the Juba Teaching Hospital, and the headquarters of the Bank of South Sudan.
South Sudanese officials at the celebration reaffirmed their government’s commitment to peace and democratic transition. Despite skepticism from observers, Lomuro said the country remains on track to hold national elections in December 2026, in line with the 2018 peace agreement.
He also praised China’s foreign policy principles, including non-interference and mutual respect.
“China’s principles of non-interference and mutual respect strengthen trust and allow nations to walk their own path to sovereignty,” Lomuro said. “This is the spirit with which South Sudan renews its friendship with China.”
The event, held in the capital Juba, was attended by senior government officials, diplomats, and community members. It featured cultural performances by South Sudanese and Chinese children, which organizers said symbolized “the shared future of the two peoples.”
South Sudan remains among the world’s least developed countries, despite its vast oil reserves and other natural resources.
Since gaining independence from Sudan in 2011, it has relied heavily on China as a key economic partner, particularly in the oil sector, which provides the bulk of government revenue.