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South Sudan leader in China as situation between both Sudans escalates towards war
Both have tried to win Beijing’s favor, but China has been careful to cultivate ties with each nation. Like others in the international community, China has repeatedly urged the two sides to return to negotiations.
On his first trip to China since taking office, President Salva Kiir meets Chinese President Hu Jintao on Tuesday, and sees Vice Premier Li Keqiang on Wednesday.
Kiir will also visit Shanghai and bilateral agreements will be signed during his China trip, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Liu Weimin said, without providing details. Liu also reiterated Beijing’s call for more talks between the neighbors.
“China is concerned about the two Sudans’ disputes regarding oil,” Liu said. “We hope they will use dialogue to settle those disputes and avoid actions that will escalate tension. We know that oil is the lifeline of the two countries.”
The Financial Times on Sunday quoted South Sudan’s lead negotiator Pagan Amum as saying Kiir would be seeking Chinese financing for a long-planned oil pipeline that would bypass Sudan. The report said Beijing has already pledged technical assistance for the pipeline, which would allow land-locked South Sudan an alternative export route for its large oil reserves.
Jiang Hengkun, a professor with the Institute of African Studies at Zhejiang Normal University, said that if the pipeline happens, China would contribute heavily, from labor to loans.
“China will surely participate in the construction,” Jiang said. “Chinese construction companies or oil companies can join the bidding for the project, while the Chinese government may provide development aids or loans to South Sudan government.”
