September 7, 2024 (JUBA) – South Sudan and  China have agreed to elevate relations between the two nations to the highest diplomatic level. The strategic shift foreign relations emerged during South Sudan President Salva Kiir’s visit to the Asian nation. Kiir, currently in China to attend and participate in the China-African summit, met his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping on September 9. “The two countries are now comprehensive strategic partners”, a diplomat accompanying President Kiir told the Sudan Tribune on Friday. Africa’s youngest nation has been pushing for the upgrade for years as it sees China as a key country in its strategy to secure global supply chains from China-related risks and diplomatic support against internal and external pressure on the government of Kiir. The country’s ruling Communist Party welcomed President Kiir and his accompanying delegation in a function that included officials waving Chinese and South Sudanese flags and honour guards carrying bayoneted riflees noted the strides that had been taken towards improved ties. “We can trace many years of cooperation and progress between our nations, from external pressures and economic hardships to working together. Our history and that of China are the same to this new elevated status”, remarked Kiir. …

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