Al-Burhan's visit to China. Strengthening strategic partnership in light of growing challenges – Something for the homeland – ✍️ Eng. Salah Ghariba
The visit of the Chairman of the Sudanese Transitional Sovereignty Council, Lieutenant General Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan, to China to attend the China-Africa Cooperation Forum Summit is of great strategic significance, especially in light of the rapid developments taking place on the Sudanese and regional scene. This visit comes at a time when Sudan is seeking to strengthen its position on the international stage and seek strategic partners that can support its development and stability efforts.
Sudanese-Chinese relations have always been built on solid historical foundations, and these relations have been renewed recently, especially in light of the challenges Sudan is facing. Al-Burhan expressed his deep appreciation for China's positions in support of Sudan in international forums and its rejection of foreign interference in its internal affairs. This confirmation of the depth of bilateral relations comes at a time when Sudan is experiencing a deepening political and security crisis, which increases the importance of Chinese support.
The Sudanese and Chinese sides stressed the importance of strengthening cooperation in various fields, including economy, trade and military. Al-Burhan stressed Sudan's willingness to implement the agreements signed with China and overcome the obstacles facing Chinese investment in Sudan. He also stressed the importance of protecting Chinese investment in Sudan and providing a safe and stable environment for Chinese investors.
Al-Burhan's visit to China is of particular importance in the context of international competition for influence on the African continent. China is seeking to strengthen its influence on the continent and offer alternatives to Western cooperation. Sudan is considered a country of strategic importance to China, due to its geographical location and natural resources.
Comparing this visit with previous visits of Sudanese leaders to China, a notable development can be observed in bilateral relations. China has become a strategic partner of Sudan and plays a central role in supporting Sudan's efforts to achieve development and stability.
Despite the significance of the visit, Sudanese-Chinese relations face many challenges. Sudan is suffering from a stifling economic crisis and degraded infrastructure, which are obstacles to the implementation of joint projects. There are also concerns that heavy dependence on China will increase foreign debt and undermine Sudan's sovereignty.
Al-Burhan's visit to China is considered an important step in strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries. The visit confirmed the depth of the strategic partnership between Sudan and China and indicated promising prospects for cooperation in various fields. However, Sudan must ensure balance in its external relations and avoid total dependence on a single country.
The Sudanese and Chinese sides should work to strengthen economic cooperation, by implementing joint projects and encouraging Chinese investment in Sudan. Sudan should seek to diversify its trade and investment partners, to avoid total dependence on China, and the Sudanese government should work to strengthen this cooperation. In dealing with Chinese companies and ensuring that the Sudanese people receive their fair share of the country's wealth, Sudan should also invest in human capacity building and developing national cadres capable of managing joint projects with China.
Al-Burhan's visit to China is considered a very important event and opens new horizons for cooperation between the two countries. However, to make the most of this partnership, the Sudanese and Chinese sides need to make more efforts and work together.
