Strong China-South Sudan ties vital for development: expert

JUBA -- Strong China-South Sudan ties are vital for the development and recovery of the conflict-torn east African country, an expert said on Nov 18.

Melha Rout Biel, acting executive director of Juba-based think tank, the Center for Strategic and Policy Studies (CSPS) said Beijing has been a strategic partner to South Sudan since gaining independence in 2011 and the world's youngest nation would benefit more with enhanced bilateral relations.

"As far as peace is concerned, China has been deploying peacekeepers to maintain peace and security in South Sudan. The peacekeepers are not doing protection alone but engaging in development activities," Biel told Xinhua in an interview in Juba.

"China has also been supporting South Sudan during the COVID-19 crisis. So, there are a number of things the Chinese government is doing to keep close relationships with the government of South Sudan," Biel added.

Biel, who also teaches political science at the University of Juba, stressed that close China-South Sudan relations would promote development especially in the areas of education, technology, infrastructure and agriculture.

"There are so many ways South Sudan can benefit from China. One of the things we can benefit from China is education because the Chinese education system is organized and can benefit South Sudan," Biel said.

"We can also benefit from technology because South Sudan can send its young people to learn and benefit from Chinese technology," Biel added.

But Biel stressed that for South Sudan to attract more Chinese investment, it must address the ongoing political and civil upheavals facing the country.