This year marks the 77th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China and the 105th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China (CPC). Through 77 years of braving the wind and rain, as well as 105 years of unwavering dedication, the Chinese people have forged a path to modernization suited to China’s national conditions under the leadership of the CPC. This path has not only realized national prosperity and public well-being, but also created a new model for human advancement and expanded the routes for developing countries towards modernization.
— China has always been a builder of world peace. As a major country with the best record in peace and security, China actively advocates the vision of common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security, unswervingly promoting the cause of international peace. China is the second-largest financial contributor to the UN peacekeeping budget as well as the largest troop-contributing country among the permanent members of the UN Security Council, with Chinese “Blue Helmets” rooted in the front lines of peacekeeping in South Sudan and other regions to safeguard peace. From the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence to the implementation of the Global Security Initiative (GSI), and from maintaining global strategic stability to exploring Chinese approaches to addressing hot-spot issues, China honors its words with actions and firmly defends global peace. Faced with ongoing volatility in the Middle East this year, Chinese President Xi Jinping outlined a four-point proposal on promoting peace and stability in the Middle East, as well as a four-point proposal on building a new security architecture in the region, offering China’s solution for overcoming regional security dilemmas.
— China has always been a contributor to global development. In the face of rising protectionism and sluggish global economic growth, China aligns with the trend of history, adheres to openness and inclusiveness, and continues to provide momentum for the world economy. In 2025, China’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) surpassed 140 trillion yuan, contributing over 30% to global economic growth for more than a decade. 2026 marks the start of China’s 15th Five-Year Plan. In the first half of the year, China’s GDP grew by 4.7% year-on-year, hitting a new five-year high for the same period and once again providing precious certainty to an uncertain world. China, on the one hand, continues to expand high-standard opening up, and on the other hand, shares development dividends with the world. China has joined hands with over three quarters of all countries in the world, including South Sudan, to pursue high-quality Belt and Road cooperation. Starting from May 1, 2026, China has expanded its zero-tariff treatment to cover all 53 African countries with which it has diplomatic ties, including South Sudan, allowing an increasing volume of high-quality South Sudanese products to enter China’s vast market.
— China has always been a defender of the international order. Today, the international situation is intertwined with turbulence and transformation, and the global governance deficit has become increasingly prominent. Last September, President Xi Jinping proposed the Global Governance Initiative (GGI), which swiftly received support and responses from nearly 160 countries and international organizations, with more than 60 countries, including South Sudan, actively joining the Group of Friends of Global Governance. Over the past year, the GGI has been widely embraced, forging broad international consensus and joint efforts for reforming, and improving the global governance system and effectively addressing global challenges. China firmly implements the five core concepts of the initiative—sovereign equality, the international rule of law, multilateralism, a people-centered approach, and real actions. China supported the African Union in joining the G20, established the International Organization for Mediation (IOMed)—which successfully resolved its first international maritime dispute, and launched the Global AI Governance Initiative, earning widespread praise from the international community.
Having worked in South Sudan for four years, I deeply feel the brotherly friendship between our two peoples. The reason why China-South Sudan friendship can cross mountains and seas, lies in its foundation of “mutual respect and sincere cooperation” established at the very inception of our diplomatic ties. The reason why our bilateral relations can advance steadily and remain sustainable, lies in our shared vision of “working together for common development.” Under the strategic guidance of Chinese President Xi Jinping and South Sudanese President Salva Kiir Mayardit, the China-South Sudan strategic partnership has continued to develop and reach new heights.
— Political trust has grown stronger, anchored in constant mutual respect and support. China and South Sudan have consistently treated each other as equals and firmly supported each other’s core interests and major concerns. China respects South Sudan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as the development path independently chosen by the South Sudanese people, and has consistently called on all parties in South Sudan to prioritize the interests of the country and its people, resolve differences through dialogue and consultation, and steadily advance the political process. China continuously speaks up for justice for South Sudan on multilateral occasions, safeguarding South Sudan’s legitimate rights and interests.
— Concrete cooperation has deepened, driven by shared benefits and joint development. China and South Sudan have always been companions and partners on the path toward modernization. In May 2026, the South Sudan Air Traffic Management System, the first and only air traffic control cooperation project under the framework of China-Africa cooperation, was officially launched, helping South Sudanese government regain control over its upper airspace. The China-aided Borehole Drilling and Water Supply Project was officially handed over, with 47 water wells covering multiple regions in Central Equatoria State and Lakes State, and providing access to safe and clean drinking water for the local communities. The main structure for Phase II of the renovation and expansion of Juba Teaching Hospital has been completed and will soon be put into operation.
— People-to-people exchanges have become more intense, deepening mutual understanding and friendship. In recent years, cooperation between China and South Sudan in the fields of health, education, and culture flourish. For over a decade, 14 batches of Chinese medical teams have dedicated themselves selflessly, conducting mobile clinics across multiple states in South Sudan. China has provided thousands of study and training opportunities for individuals from all walks of life in South Sudan, offering intellectual support for the development of South Sudan. This year marks the China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges. The Chinese Embassy in South Sudan has hosted over 10 colorful events, effectively promoting friendship and mutual understanding between two peoples.
The fruitful outcomes of China-South Sudan friendly cooperation represent the joint efforts of both governments and peoples, carrying the shared aspiration for a prosperous future. China will continue to support South Sudan in transforming its advantages into development momentum, promote the continuous deepening and substantiation of China-South Sudan cooperation in all fields, and strive for a better tomorrow in both our respective national development and bilateral relations.
The author, Ma Qiang, is Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to the Republic of South Sudan.
The views expressed in ‘opinion’ articles published by Radio Tamazuj are solely those of the writer. The veracity of any claims made is the responsibility of the author, not Radio Tamazuj.
and then