Sudan and China: Beyond Political Posturing
The Face of Truth
Ibrahim Shglawi
Sudanese-Chinese relations are witnessing a state of strategic stability and gradual development, making it a rare model in international relations between the North and the South. This relationship goes beyond mutual benefit to touch on the concept of a “strategic partnership,” especially amid the intertwined crises that Sudan is currently facing. Since Khartoum’s early recognition of the People’s Republic of China in the 1950s, Beijing has established itself as a reliable ally, especially in Sudan’s most critical moments, free from political blackmail or economic dependency.
However, this relationship, despite its signs of strength and mutual respect, has not been immune to skepticism from some voices active in the political sphere. These critics read Beijing’s recent precautionary measures—following the attacks on Port Sudan—as a sign of a possible abandonment or the beginning of a cooling of relations, particularly regarding China’s request for its citizens to leave Sudan. Although this event may seem, on the surface, as a precautionary measure, it opened the door to political and security interpretations, which activists have exploited to accuse Beijing, even going as far as to undermine the integrity of Sudan-China relations.
In reality, according to the explanations of the Chinese chargé d’affaires, as reported by Brownland News, no comprehensive or emergency evacuation order was issued for Chinese nationals, either by land or sea. This confirms that claims of a cooling or breakdown in relations between the two countries are not grounded in tangible facts, and the companies operating there continue their activities without being affected by the unfolding events.
Despite the strategic ties between Sudan and China, and China’s adherence to the principle of non-interference, developments in the Sudanese scene have embarrassed Beijing on an ethical level, especially after international reports indicated that the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) used Chinese-made weapons in the Darfur conflict. These weapons were allegedly transferred to Sudan through a third country, the UAE, which is accused of colluding with the RSF in direct violation of the UN-imposed arms embargo on Darfur. Consequently, Beijing, even if not a direct supplier, now faces ethical and legal responsibility due to its membership in the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT), which obligates parties to prevent the use of their products in human rights violations or in conflict zones.
This contradiction between China’s political rhetoric and the open-market approach adopted by its defense companies forces Beijing to review its arms export monitoring mechanisms and hold accountable the companies that violate this policy. Continued detachment from these responsibilities could undermine China’s credibility as an international power striving to offer an ethical model, in contrast to the Western model.
Nevertheless, China still retains a considerable amount of trust among the majority of Sudanese elites, due to its consistent approach that has not been marked by opportunism or exploitation, as well as the support it has provided in sectors like oil and infrastructure during periods of sanctions and isolation. This legacy made President Abdel Fattah al-Burhan’s visit to China in September 2024 a significant step, especially as it occurred at a time when Sudan was facing existential challenges due to war and its political and economic repercussions.
The visit succeeded in redefining the relationship under the framework of a “renewed strategic partnership,” through the signing of broad agreements in fields such as energy, mining, port development, electric transportation, and even defense cooperation with the Chinese company Poly, as Sudan seeks to build its own defense capabilities that are not subject to external impositions.
The key takeaway today is not to dwell on the past or defend the present, but to chart a future course for Sudan-China relations that strikes the delicate balance: maximizing the benefits from the ally without becoming dependent, and reaffirming that Sudan, despite its current fragility, remains an active player in the “geopolitical” equation, especially given its strategic position on the Red Sea and untapped natural resources.
Thus, as we see from #TheFaceOfTruth, it remains wise not to reduce Sudan-China relations to political posturing.
China has been and will remain a true strategic ally to Sudan throughout history, especially in the 1990s during the American sanctions. It played a pivotal role in sectors such as oil, dams, electricity, and infrastructure, while respecting Sudan’s sovereignty in most of its dealings. The relationship between China and Sudan is more akin to an existential partnership than a fleeting transactional one. The greatest challenge ahead is to maintain its ethical and pragmatic character simultaneously, far from the influence of activists or detractors, for the sake of the mutual interests of both peoples and the strategic relationship.
Wishing you all good health and well-being.