JUBA – South Sudan and China have pledged to deepen cooperation in peacebuilding and development, with officials highlighting ongoing projects and shared political priorities at a symposium held in Juba on Monday.
The China–South Sudan High-Level Peace and Development Symposium, co-hosted by the Chinese Embassy and the University of Juba, brought together government officials, diplomats, and academics under the theme “Building a Community with a Shared Future for Humanity.”
University of Juba Vice Chancellor Prof. Robert Mayom Deng said the forum aimed to strengthen dialogue and promote partnerships, particularly in areas where both nations share common interests, such as international order, justice, and poverty reduction.
Chinese Embassy Charge d’Affaires Huo Ying outlined Beijing’s ongoing investments in South Sudan, including the Phase II expansion of Juba Teaching Hospital, a Waterwheel Drilling Project, the Dream Tower Technology Project, and the Safe City initiative. She stressed that such projects were part of China’s commitment to supporting South Sudan’s development.
“China will continue to play a constructive role within our capacity for South Sudan’s development and prosperity in the future,” Ying said.
The symposium also highlighted the role of the Belt and Road Initiative, which has driven infrastructure and knowledge exchange across Africa. In South Sudan, Chinese-backed projects have ranged from hospitals and roads to scholarships and technology transfer.
South Sudan’s Minister of Cabinet Affairs, Martin Elia Lomoro, praised the partnership but underscored that peace remains the foundation of the country’s development.
“For South Sudan, peace is not a luxury. Peace is a necessary foundation of our national state building and a lifeline,” Lomoro said, urging both countries to build on what he called “practical ways” China has supported South Sudan’s nation-building process.
The symposium comes as South Sudan faces continued challenges in consolidating peace and stability ahead of planned elections. Analysts say China’s role as a development partner has grown steadily, particularly through infrastructure and aid projects, while also serving as a diplomatic ally in international forums.
