China, Africa experts advocate cooperation under FOCAC framework

On Dec 17, 2021, the Institute of African Studies at Zhejiang Normal University and South Sudan Center for Strategic and Policy Studies held the Second China-South Sudan Think Tank Forum in China and South Sudan, under the theme of "prospects for China-South Sudan cooperation under the framework of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation". Fifteen scholars and experts from universities and international organizations attended the forum and shared ideas.

Xu Jinghu, special representative of the Chinese government on African affairs, introduced the spirit of China-Africa friendship and fully affirmed the significance of the forum, acknowledging the brotherly cooperation between China and South Sudan as an authentic reflection and representation of China-Africa cooperation. She added that China is willing to join hands with South Sudan and further deepen communication and cooperation between the two countries in various fields.

Deng Dau Deng Malek, deputy minister of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of South Sudan, and the representative of South Sudan to the Eighth Ministerial Conference of FOCAC, expressed South Sudan's readiness to implement the results of FOCAC and accelerate greater development in the relationship between South Sudan and China. He noted the importance of academic exchanges between South Sudan and China. The government of South Sudan will firmly support exchanges and cooperation between universities and think tanks from the two sides.

Hanafi James Killa, chargé d'affaires ad interim of the Embassy of South Sudan in China, emphasized that China has played a significant role in supporting South Sudan's development. He added that this year marked the 10th anniversary of diplomatic relations between South Sudan and China, and South Sudan will always be China's good friend.

Hua Ning, the Chinese ambassador to South Sudan, highly praised the forum's contribution in bridging Chinese and South Sudanese scholars, promoting mutual understanding, and enhancing relations between the two countries. It is hoped that more practical benefits be brought to people in both countries under the implementation of the achievements of FOCAC. Both countries can upgrade their friendship to a new level at the new starting point of the 10th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and South Sudan.

Liu Hongwu, director of the Center for South Sudan Studies and the Institute of African Studies at Zhejiang Normal University, concluded the forum. Under the guidance of the embassies of both countries and with the efforts of scholars from both sides, the Center for South Sudan Studies at the Institute of African Studies at Zhejiang Normal University was established right after the opening ceremony of the forum. A team of scholars studying China and South Sudan bilateral relations gradually came together through two years of preparation. The establishment of the center will set an example for active exploration of new approaches for the study of African countries.