China has reaffirmed its support for South Sudan’s development, peace and reconstruction efforts, Chinese Ambassador Ma Qiang said on Thursday, pledging to deepen ties between the two countries.
Speaking at a Chinese New Year reception in Juba, Ma said the celebration symbolised harmony, unity and peaceful coexistence, values he described as central to China’s global engagement and its partnership with South Sudan.
“The Chinese New Year reflects our shared longing for family reunion, harmony and a better life,” he said, adding that the Year of the Horse represents perseverance and a pioneering spirit.
Ma said China had made steady progress in modernisation and high-quality development over the past year, while continuing to promote what Beijing calls “a community with a shared future for humanity” through international cooperation.
On bilateral relations, he said the China–South Sudan strategic partnership had continued to deepen, citing frequent exchanges and growing political trust.
“Practical cooperation in infrastructure, energy, agriculture and people’s livelihoods has steadily moved forward,” Ma said, adding that China supports South Sudan in pursuing a development path suited to its national conditions.
He reiterated Beijing’s readiness to share development opportunities and contribute to South Sudan’s peaceful reconstruction, saying China’s engagement is guided by sincerity, real results, amity and good faith.
Ma also welcomed South Sudan’s adherence to the one-China principle, calling it a foundation for further cooperation with “broad prospects”.
He praised Chinese nationals working in South Sudan, including businesspeople, peacekeepers and diplomats, for promoting peace, economic cooperation and cultural exchange, and said the embassy would continue to safeguard their security and rights.
Looking ahead, Ma said China remained confident about its future development as it prepares to launch its 15th Five-Year Plan.
South Sudan’s senior presidential envoy on special programmes, Adut Salva Kiir, said the Year of the Horse symbolises strength and forward momentum, expressing hope for renewed progress in bilateral relations.
She reaffirmed Juba’s commitment to strong ties with Beijing and said South Sudan remains open to Chinese cooperation and investment in sectors including infrastructure, technology, oil and gas, trade, education, mining and agriculture.
