Chinese peacebuilding: meet the needs from the local

What does South Sudan people need most in the post-conflict reconstruction? They explicitly say: they need feel safe, they need development, rather than participation in election or various international NGOs. “Infrastructures and food security are two areas which are very important for South Sudan. Food security provides stability, and infrastructure gives opportunity for people to move around.” said South Sudanese Ambassador John Andruga Duku. Development and reconstruction are in high demand of both the government and the people in South Sudan after the conflict. China’s approach of peacebuilding attract attention from African researchers. Based on his observation and field research in Liberia and South Sudan, a senior researcher Dr. Steven Kuo from South Africa concludes in three characteristics of Chinese Peace: sovereignty, stability, and primary on economic development.

Indeed, China respects sovereignty of South Sudan and places emphasis on its support for the principle of African solutions to African problems. China prefers to support mediation process led by regional organization, IGAD, which plays a significant role in peace negotiation among the parties in South Sudan. As a professor from Juba University said, China comes to South Sudan with respect. China does not use force or sanctions to impose its views, but sees sanctions or their threat as leverage to influence future behaviour instead of punishment for past behaviour.

In terms of development and humanitarian assistance, China helped construct a host of hospitals and schools in South Sudan. Chinese government has sent six medical teams to South Sudan which operate on a yearly rotation. They work in the Juba Teaching Hospital which was also funded and constructed by China. Currently, Sinohydro is building a dam to generate electricity, which will feed the first power grid system in South Sudan. During the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Beijing Summit of 2018, President Xi announced that China will provide a 300 million yuan ($41 million) grant and 100 million yuan ($13 million) in emergency food aid to South Sudan. As of early February 2019, 1000 tons of food has been transported to Juba for the South Sudanese.

Since the recent September 2018 peace agreement, there has been a significant reduction in violent conflicts and hope has increased that the peace agreement can result in a more stable and peaceful period for the country. China is the only one of the five permanent members of the Security Council of the UN that has endorsed the current agreement in South Sudan. This demonstrates China's commitment to peace and friendship. As South Sudan Ambassador John said, “China is a strategic partner for South Sudan”. I hope there will be more ‘creative involvement’ of Chinese people in this country, bringing a peaceful and prosperous future through win-win cooperation. We will build a community of shared future for mankind.

The author is a PhD candidate from the School of International Studies at Peking University. Her findings are based on her field research in South Sudan and Ethiopia from January 19th to February 16th 2019, conducted with funding from the Social Science Research Council.

The opinions expressed here are those of the writer and do not represent the views of China Daily and China Daily website.