Why China Is So Invested In South Sudan's Future

Even against these seemingly insurmountable challenges, Beijing's point man for South Sudan remains stubbornly upbeat. “We as a government are cautiously optimistic about the future of South Sudan," Zhong Jianhua^[1], China's special representative on African Affairs, said during a May 2016 interview in Beijing. "The country’s leaders must remember that peace and security are essential for the growth of the people and the economy.” 

So why is China so committed to South Sudan? It probably has something to do with money and oil, but that doesn't explain everything because for a country as large as China, the billions invested in South Sudan represents a relatively small piece of a truly massive global investment portfolio. So what is it?^[2][3]

Independent journalist and Guardian UK columnist Antony Loewenstein traveled to South Sudan in 2015 to cover the fighting. While in Juba, he also learned a lot more about what the Chinese are doing (or not)  in South Sudan. Antony joins Eric & Cobus -- in the podcast above -- to discuss the findings from his reporting assignment and whether he shares Ambassador Zhong's optimism for the future of the country.^[4]

What do you think of China's engagement in South Sudan? Naked imperialism in pursuit of the country's vast oil reserves or a genuine effort to bring peace to help end a brutal conflict? Join the discussion:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/ChinaAfricaProject^[5]

Twitter: @eolander | @stadenesque ^[6][7]

References

1. ^{^} Zhong Jianhua (www.mediamaxnetwork.co.ke)
2. ^{^} money and oil (www.china.org.cn)
3. ^{^} billions (www.platts.com)
4. ^{^} Antony Loewenstein (www.theguardian.com)
5. ^{^} www.facebook.com/ChinaAfricaProject (www.facebook.com)
6. ^{^} @eolander (twitter.com)
7. ^{^} @stadenesque (twitter.com)