(JUBA) – South Sudan Officials Hail China as Key Economic Partner During National Day Celebration
Government officials in South Sudan have praised China as a central ally in infrastructure development and economic cooperation during a celebration to mark the 76th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China. The event took place in Juba and was attended by senior ministers, diplomats and community representatives.
Cabinet Affairs Minister Martin Elia Lomuro said South Sudan views China as an example of how disciplined planning can transform a poor nation into an economic power. He noted that President Salva Kiir had sent a message of congratulations to Chinese President Xi Jinping and reaffirmed South Sudan’s commitment to strengthening ties.
Lomuro said South Sudan draws lessons from China’s investment in infrastructure, education and innovation as foundations for national growth. He described China as a reliable friend since independence in 2011, pointing to projects such as road construction, hospital upgrades, oil sector support and assistance in managing national airspace.
Chinese Ambassador Ma Qiang used the occasion to highlight China’s own development journey. He said the success came from careful planning through national strategies, including five year plans. According to him, China managed to lift nearly 800 million citizens out of poverty and wants to share those experiences with South Sudan.
Ambassador Ma added that China continues to support South Sudan through scholarships, humanitarian relief and major infrastructure projects such as the Juba Rumbek Highway, the Juba Teaching Hospital and the Bank of South Sudan headquarters.
At the celebration, South Sudanese officials repeated their pledge to hold national elections in December 2026 as outlined in the 2018 peace agreement. Lomuro said the government remains committed to peace and democratic transition despite doubts from critics.
He praised China’s foreign policy approach which focuses on non interference and mutual respect. He said such principles build trust between nations and allow countries like South Sudan to develop in a way that fits their own needs.
The ceremony featured cultural performances by South Sudanese and Chinese children, which organisers said reflected the growing ties between the two countries.
South Sudan remains one of the least developed countries in the world. Although it holds significant oil reserves and natural wealth, it continues to rely heavily on foreign partnerships, especially with China, to build infrastructure and support economic reform. Oil revenue still provides most of the government’s income, making the cooperation between the two nations particularly important.
South Sudan Reaffirms Strategic Ties With China
| Details | |
|---|---|
| Event | Celebration of the 76th Anniversary of the People’s Republic of China |
| Location | Juba, South Sudan |
| Key South Sudan Speaker | Martin Elia Lomuro, Minister of Cabinet Affairs |
| Key Chinese Representative | Ambassador Ma Qiang |
| Main Message from South Sudan | China viewed as a key development partner and model for economic transformation |
| Main Message from China | China willing to share lessons from lifting 800 million citizens out of poverty |
| Major Chinese Projects in South Sudan | Juba – Rumbek Highway, Juba Teaching Hospital, Bank of South Sudan HQ, Oil sector support |
| South Sudan’s Economic Position | Least developed country, reliant on oil revenue and foreign partnerships |
| Political Commitment | Government says national elections still planned for December 2026 |