China’s ambassador to South Sudan said construction on the Juba-Rumbek highway, the country’s first oil-for-infrastructure project, has been suspended due to overdue payments.
In an exclusive interview with Radio Tamazuj, Ambassador Ma Qiang acknowledged China’s role in developing South Sudan’s infrastructure but confirmed work on remaining sections of the key road had stalled.
Ma reiterated China’s commitment to strong bilateral ties with South Sudan, citing cooperation in oil, humanitarian aid, and medical support. He emphasized Beijing’s neutral stance on internal politics, backing peaceful dialogue and the 2018 peace agreement.
Below are edited excerpts:
Q: Ambassador Ma Qiang, how would you rate the bilateral relations between South Sudan and China?
A: China was one of the first countries to establish diplomatic relations with South Sudan. Over the past 13 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations, the two sides have built strong political mutual trust and achieved fruitful cooperation results in various fields. Mutual respect and sincere cooperation form the foundation of China-South Sudan relations, and working together for common development is the future of bilateral relations. Building a rich and dynamic China-South Sudan relationship meets the common expectations and long-term interests of the two peoples. During the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in September 2024, Chinese President Xi Jinping and South Sudanese President Salva Kiir Mayardit jointly announced the elevation of China-South Sudan relations to a Strategic Partnership and reached the new height of the bilateral relations.
Q: How much money does China spend on humanitarian & development funding in South Sudan yearly? Is China planning to cover the gap of funding created by withdrawal of USAID support in South Sudan in development and humanitarian sectors?
A: China has always achieved in its practical cooperation with South Sudan in various fields under the principles of its Africa policy of sincerity, real results, amity and good faith, and pursuing the greater good and shared interests, which were put forward by Chinese President Xi Jinping. And this cooperation is unaffected by external factors. Recently, the grant aid projects such as Borehole Drilling and Water Supply, Juncao, and Safe City are advancing as planned. Moreover, the Chinese government also provides food aid to South Sudan every year. In 2024, 980 tonnes of rice and wheat and 8,800 tents were handed over to South Sudan, which effectively alleviated its humanitarian crisis. In the future, we will continue to lend support and assistance within our capacity.
Q: South Sudan has taken loans from China before. What are the terms of these loans and have they been repaid?
A: China has always conducted investment and financing cooperation with South Sudan in accordance with international rules and the principle of openness and transparency, and has never attached any political strings and pursued any selfish political gains. With China’s support, the Juba International Airport Project and Air Traffic Management System Engineering Project have been successfully completed, further promoting South Sudan’s connectivity with neighboring countries and the world, and providing solid support for South Sudan’s economic development.
Q: Ambassador Ma Qiang, South Sudan signed an oil-for-infrastructure (roads) deal with China in the past. What has come of it?
A: The Juba-Rumbek Road, which is the first oil-for-infrastructure (roads) project in South Sudan, is an important outcome of the meeting between the two heads of state during the 2018 Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC). The road is constructed by the Chinese enterprise Shandong Hi-speed Group (SDHS). Over the past ten years, SDHS has constructed landmark projects such as the office buildings of DPOC and the Bank of South Sudan, and played an important role in the infrastructure construction of South Sudan. In December 2022, the South Sudanese government held the opening ceremony of the first section of road from Juba to Terekeka, at which President Salva Kiir Mayardit and I cut the ribbon. At present, the construction of the remaining sections of the road is unfortunately suspending due to overdue payment.
Q: How does China support the health sector of South Sudan?
A: Since 2012, the Chinese government has been dispatching 12 medical teams with a total of 180 Chinese medical personnel to South Sudan, providing medical care to over 70,000 patients and performing more than 1,200 surgeries. Chinese doctors have also conducted 27 free clinics in grassroots communities and treated over 30,000 patients. The construction of China-aided Juba Teaching Hospital Phrase II is underway. We will continue to enhance the health cooperation with South Sudan and build the China-South Sudan relationship into an inspiring example in developing the all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future for the new era.
Q: Political tensions between the peace partners in South Sudan have been rising lately, and they have escalated into military clashes in the Upper Nile region and the outskirts of Juba. What have you done to help mitigate this?
A: The situation in South Sudan has now become relatively stable, but still faces some challenges. As seen in the news media, there are some clashes occurring in Upper Nile State and other areas. As a good friend of South Sudan, China has always called on political factions of South Sudan to resolve differences through dialogue, accelerate the implementation of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS) in 2018, and stressed that a political solution is the only way to open the door to peace in South Sudan. In my exchanges with South Sudanese friends, I have repeatedly reiterated the above-mentioned position, and received appreciation and endorsement from South Sudan side. At the same time, we have also actively provided humanitarian assistance to South Sudanese people affected by conflict. Recently, our Embassy delivered a batch of food and supplies to Magwi County in Eastern Equatoria State. We will continue these efforts in the future.
Q: Do you think the peace agreement can be salvaged seeing that SPLM-IO under Riek Machar says it has collapsed?
A: The 2018 R-ARCSS is the cornerstone of peace and stability in South Sudan and has played an important role in maintaining peace in this country in recent years. Peace is the common aspiration of the South Sudanese people. We have noticed that the signatories of the R-ARCSS, including the SPLM and the SPLM-IO, have repeatedly stressed their commitment to implementing the agreement. We hope that all parties will resolve their differences at an early date and effectively respond to the concerns of the South Sudanese people and the international community.
Q: China consumes a large percentage of South Sudan’s crude oil but observers have often said the extraction of oil is creating pollution and now Sudan is panning halt it again due to the war. Have you done anything to help in this area?
A: Oil is the lifeline of South Sudan’s economy, contributing 90% of South Sudan’s fiscal revenue. In February 2024, the production of oil field in Block 3 and 7 was forced to stop due to blockage and rupture of the oil pipeline. The Chinese side has always supported China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC) to actively cooperate with its partner companies and the South Sudanese government to resume production and transportation of oil. With the joint efforts of all parties, the oil field in Block 3 and 7 resumed production and transportation in January this year, and oil was successfully transported to Port Sudan in April, providing strong support for South Sudan’s economic growth.
Q: What is your take on the arms embargo on South Sudan and the recent extension of the UNMISS mandate for another year, seeing that China has often vetoed its renewal? Do you think RSS needs more guns?
A: In recent years, when the UN Security Council reviewed sanctions against South Sudan, China has always abstained from the vote, advocating that sanctions should be adjusted or lifted.
Q: How best do you think the crises in South Sudan can be resolved to usher in lasting peace?
A: This year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. 80 years ago, China was mired in war and poverty. The Communist Party of China and the Chinese people have come through hardships and thus are well aware of the value of peace and development. Chinese President Xi Jinping has put forward a series of major visions such as the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative, emphasizing that development holds the master key to solving all problems and security is the prerequisite for national development. China calls on all political factions in South Sudan to set aside differences and concentrate on development endeavors. We believe that the lasting peace will ultimately be achieved with steady perseverance over time.
Q: How do you see future relations between South Sudan and China?
A: Under the strategic guidance of Chinese President Xi Jinping and South Sudanese President Salva Kiir Mayardit, the China-South Sudan strategic partnership continues to develop. We are working with the South Sudanese government to actively implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state. Looking to the future, China-South Sudan relations are endowed with a bright future and vast potential for growth, which will not only bring benefits to the people of the two countries, but also contribute to peace, stability and development in the region and the world.
Q: What is your final message to the government of South Sudan and the people?
A: Having been working in South Sudan for two years and eight months, I deeply feel that the South Sudanese people are desired for peace. Past experience of human kinds shows that peace cannot be kept by force, nor can war win public support. A conflict, when prolonged, tends to deteriorate and escalate, even to the extent unthinkable for parties concerned. In the absence of peace talks, misperception and miscalculation will accumulate and may lead to an even bigger crisis. I sincerely hope to see an early realization of peace in South Sudan.
At the press conference on the sidelines of the third session of the 14th National People’s Congress this year, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said, “Africa is a land of hope in the 21st century.” South Sudan is the youngest country in the world. It is also a country full of potential and hope in the land of Africa. South Sudan enjoys fertile land and rich natural resources. The South Sudanese people are hardworking, brave and resilient. We are convinced that achieving peace will pave the way for economic takeoff and sustainable development in South Sudan. China will, as always, support South Sudan in steadily advancing its political transition process and will continue to play a positive and constructive role in helping South Sudan achieve its lasting peace as well as development and prosperity.