China bets on early port and power deals in Sudan to secure post-war economic edge
China is moving early to secure a role in Sudan’s reconstruction, pursuing port and power agreements with the army-backed government while the war continues and many Western countries maintain only a limited presence. One expert also said Beijing was using the prospect of future investment as a bilateral incentive to encourage warring parties to cease hostilities. Sudan signed an agreement with…
China is proactively pursuing investments in Sudan's reconstruction efforts, focusing on port and power agreements while the country remains embroiled in a conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces. The Chinese government maintains diplomatic operations in Sudan, despite other Western countries having limited presence.
Sudan signed an agreement with China Harbour Engineering Company in July to upgrade and build new ports, while Siyuan Energy is evaluating damaged power stations and Hunan Construction is considering hybrid power projects. Analysts suggest that China is using the potential for future investment as an incentive to encourage the Sudanese government and warring factions to cease hostilities.
The Sudanese government, currently led by General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, is in a weak negotiation position, making it more amenable to favorable investment terms. China's oil ties with Sudan, centered around China National Petroleum Corporation's involvement in oilfields and pipelines, have been crucial to their relationship. However, China has not formally meditated between the two sides, emphasizing investment and reconstruction as part of its approach to stability.
Some experts argue that the conflict is driven by the distribution of economic control within Sudan, making it difficult for China to mediate effectively.
Written by urgent.news from Reuters Business via SCMP's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
