What defines China’s interests in Sudan as Xi met Burhan in Beijing?
China’s main concern in the region is the security of oil pipelines that carry South Sudan’s oil through Sudan, said one expert.
Chinese President Xi Jinping met the leaders of Sudan and South Sudan on Friday, as China moves to secure its energy interests through oil pipelines transiting both countries.
Xi met Sudanese military leader Gen. Abdel Fattah al-Burhan in Beijing to discuss bilateral ties. Xi expressed a desire to boost both cooperation with the east African country and China’s support for Sudan’s sovereignty. Burhan praised Chinese infrastructure projects in Sudan, the official Chinese news agency Xinhua reported.
Xi and South Sudanese President Salva Kiir Mayardit announced that China and South Sudan elevated their relations to that of a “strategic partnership” during their meeting. The Chinese leader said the People’s Republic is willing to help South Sudan diversify its economy and develop its oil, mining and agriculture sectors, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
Burhan and Mayardit were in Beijing for the Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation last week.
