China bets on early port and power deals in Sudan to secure post-war economic edge

China is swiftly pursuing port and power agreements with Sudan's army-backed government as the ongoing war continues and many Western countries have limited involvement. Tim Zajontz, an interim professor of international relations, notes that Sudan could serve as a test case for China's peace-through-development strategy. Sudan has already signed a deal with China Harbour Engineering Company to upgrade existing ports and build new ones.

Siyuan Energy will evaluate damaged power stations and supply transformers, while Hunan Construction is considering hybrid power projects. Chinese companies are moving in ahead of potential competition from regional and Gulf states. The army-backed government, led by General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, is in a weak negotiation position, making it more likely to accept favorable investment terms from China.

David Shinn, a China-Africa specialist, explains that Sudan's ports and oil fields have been key to China-Sudan ties, with Sudan supplying nearly 10% of China's imports in 2002. However, oil ties have weakened since South Sudan transferred reserves to its state, and China terminated its oil agreements with Sudan in late 2025. China has maintained diplomatic operations in Port Sudan while the war rages, and its approach focuses on investment and reconstruction rather than ending hostilities.