China and Sudan .. Historical relations and common advantages – Display of dagger – ✍️ Hisham Ahmed Al -Mustafa Abu Yamam
A partnership that transcends interest to mutual respect
Relations between the Republic of Sudan and the People’s Republic of China are rare examples in modern international relations, because they have been founded on clear foundations of mutual respect, the lack of interference in internal affairs and the realization of common advantages. For more than sixty years, this relationship has passed in continuous development, to include political, economic, military and cultural areas, which have made it one of the pillars of Sudanese foreign policy, in particular in the light of complex regional and international transformations.
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From early recognition to the construction of trusted bridges
Sudan was one of the first African countries to recognize the People’s Republic of China in 1959, after which a solid cooperation phase began, according to political confidence and mutual desire to develop. This relationship was reinforced in the 1990s, when China adopted strategic partnership policies with Africa, Sudan was one of the first beneficiaries, in particular in the oil and infrastructure sector.
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China and Development in Sudan: Evidence in the field
One of the most important development cooperation stations between the two countries is Chinese projects that have caused a change in the structure of the Sudanese economy. It is led by the development of the Sudanese petroleum sector because it has helped Chinese companies, led by the company “CNPC”, to extract and export oil, after decades to rely on foreign aid.
China has also funded strategic projects such as the Meroe dam, which has changed the characteristics of the country’s electricity production, and has contributed to the expansion of the agricultural area. China has also built bridges, roads and railways that helped connect Sudan, at a time when the country was subject to stifling international sanctions.
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Chinese positions … Fixed support for Sudan in international forums
China has distinguished itself by a fixed position on Sudanese issues, in particular in international forums, because it has always supported the unity and sovereignty of Sudan. China used the veto to prevent unjust sanctions in Sudan and has constantly called to the colony of political dialogue, and not by military intervention or international pressure.
During the Darfur crisis, then after separation, and finally the current war since April 2023, China has shown a great understanding of the complications of Sudanese reality, and rejected attempts to impose international guardianship or internationalize the conflict, stressing that the Sudanese -Sudanese solution is the only sustainable option.
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Military and technical support: China is a reliable partner
The Sudanese partnership -Chinese has extended to the military side, because China supported the Sudanese armed forces within the framework of legitimate and legal cooperation. This cooperation included the supply of defensive technologies, communication equipment and armored vehicles to Sudan, which has helped increase the preparation of the Sudanese army.
China has also organized programs to train military officers and Sudanese executives in its institutions, which has helped develop their capacities and professionalism in various specialties, in particular in the fields of air defense, cybersecurity and border security.
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China in wartime: a balanced humanitarian and diplomatic position
Since the start of the war between the Sudanese armed forces and the rapid support forces, China has adopted a rare humanitarian and diplomatic position in its balance. He called for an immediate cease-fire, resuming political dialogue, and rejected attempts by certain countries to impose forced solutions that do not take local reality into account.
China has provided urgent humanitarian aid to the Sudanese people, including food, medicine and medical supplies, as well as the support of the help efforts implemented by international organizations in Sudan. He also evacuated Sudanese nationals from certain neighboring countries, in coordination with international parties, which reflect their interest in the Sudanese people and not only in the political elite.
Within the Security Council, China continued to reject any international action aimed at imposing guardianship in Sudan and stressed the importance of respecting its sovereignty and unity, while encouraging to resolve the crisis thanks to a complete national dialogue.
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Economic cooperation: RABEH – RABEH EQUATION
The economic partnership between China and Sudan is characterized by the possibility of exchanging services, and not dominance or dictating. China, which has received privileges in the oil, mining and agriculture sectors, has pumped real investments in return and has carried out tangible development projects.
The areas of cooperation included:
Energy, electricity and water
Agricultural and productive projects
Manufacturing and communications
The “Belt and Road” initiative, of which Sudan is an important part of
Thousands of Sudanese students also benefited from scholarships in China, because many of them have graduated from rare specialties and returned to contribute to the construction of their homeland.
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China and the Sudanese people … Cultural and humanitarian links
Sudanese-Chinese relations have exceeded official executives, extending to the conscience of the people. The Chinese working in Sudan were known for their respect for local societies and their positive interaction with customs and traditions, while the Sudanese citizen of the Chinese partner found a model of discipline and hard work.
The last years have experienced the organization of cultural weeks and educational and artistic exchanges, which have strengthened the bridges of understanding between the two peoples. China has also supported the efforts of translation between Arabic and Chinese, and encouraged the exchange of media to bring the mental image together and to improve civilizational links.
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Conclusion: a strategic partnership for a better future
The Sudanese experience -chinese proves that cooperation based on sovereignty and mutual respect can achieve real development, far from the agendas of hegemony or political conditionalism.
In the light of the current war, it seems that China will continue to maintain its position as a reliable partner and support for the Sudanese people, whether in the peace file, in the reconstruction or the future of a complete development.
If Sudan is the best management of this relationship, oriented towards transparency, good exploitation of resources and the attraction of experiences, it will gain a long -term strategic partner, not imposed by necessity, but rather imposed by Supreme Wisdom and National Interest.
