A Chinese envoy on Thursday called on the international community to continue to support and help advance the political process in South Sudan and prevent improper interference.
Speaking at a United Nations Security Council meeting, Dai Bing, China's deputy permanent representative to the United Nations, stressed that elections are South Sudan's internal affairs.
The meeting heard a briefing from Nicholas Haysom, the head of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), who urged South Sudan's leaders to urgently come forward with a credible timetable of election preparations, allocate their resources for electoral institutions, and foster the political and civic space necessary to create the conditions for free and fair, peaceful and inclusive elections in 2026.
Dai stated that the international community should fully respect South Sudan's sovereignty and leadership, maintain necessary patience, strive to provide constructive support, and avoid imposing external solutions. He also noted to prevent improper interference is especially important.
Dai said that South Sudan's security situation still faces many challenges, with tribal violence occurring occasionally due to competition for agricultural and pastoral resources.
Noting that the conflict in Sudan has led to an influx of refugees, intensifying ethnic tensions, Dai said that the Security Council should listen to the strong calls from South Sudan and other African nations to adjust or lift inappropriate sanctions as early as possible.
Dai also pointed out that South Sudan's industrial structure is relatively singular with weakness in risk resistance. Affected by factors such as the Sudan conflict, South Sudan's oil exports have decreased, government fiscal revenue has sharply declined, and food insecurity issue has become increasingly prominent, he said, adding that South Sudan's economy has worsened combined with rampaging floods and disease outbreaks.
China appreciates the close cooperation between UNMISS and the UN Country Team in alleviating the humanitarian situation in South Sudan, Dai said.
"The international community should both accelerate filling the humanitarian funding gap and provide more support in areas such as industry, agriculture, healthcare, and education training to help South Sudan achieve economic diversification and self-sustainable development," said Dai.
Dai stated that China attaches great attention to the difficulties faced by South Sudan and actively provides assistance within its capacity. In recent years, China has implemented several infrastructure projects in South Sudan, including hospitals and bridges, and provided multiple batches of humanitarian aid, he said.
As a major troop-contributing country to UNMISS, China will continue to support Haysom's effective leadership of UNMISS through practical actions, as part of its efforts to contribute to South Sudan's peace, stability, and prosperity.
Chinese envoy urges int'l community to prevent undue interference in S Sudan's internal affairs
Chinese envoy urges int'l community to prevent undue interference in S Sudan's internal affairs
Chinese envoy urges int'l community to prevent undue interference in S Sudan's internal affairs
