China urges the steady advancement of South Sudan's political transition

Xinhua News Agency, United Nations, November 11 - Sun Lei, the Deputy Permanent Representative of China to the United Nations, delivered a speech at the Security Council's deliberation on the situation in South Sudan on the 11th, urging all parties to steadily advance the political transition.
Sun Lei said that the current security situation in South Sudan is worrying, with local conflicts and exchanges of fire occurring from time to time. China urges all parties to focus on the overall situation of national peace and stability, effectively stop hostilities, protect civilians and humanitarian workers, and in particular, prevent the cycle of violence and avoid the escalation and loss of control of the situation. China calls on all parties to resolve their differences through inclusive dialogue and encourages greater unity and peaceful coexistence among various ethnic groups. The international community should do more to promote peace and stability and avoid fanning the flames. China calls on all parties to follow and implement the revitalized agreement as the main line, strive to transcend political differences, find the greatest common denominator, and steadily advance the political transition.
Sun Lei stated that China has always firmly believed that the key to solving African problems lies in the hands of Africans. China supports the United Nations in closely coordinating with regional organizations, increasing mediation efforts, innovating mediation models, and promoting all parties to return to political dialogue. Any solution should safeguard South Sudan's sovereignty and leadership and fully respect the concerns of the country concerned. China supports the Security Council in responding to the calls of African countries and timely adjusting or lifting sanctions on South Sudan.
Sun Lei pointed out that South Sudan has a single industrial structure and a relatively weak economic foundation. Affected by the spill - over of the conflict in Sudan and the floods during the rainy season, the number of displaced people is constantly increasing, and the humanitarian situation is becoming increasingly severe. China calls on the international community to increase investment, address the symptoms with humanitarian assistance and the root causes with development cooperation, help stabilize the economy and people's livelihoods, improve people's well - being, and support South Sudan in embarking on a path of independent and sustainable development.
South Sudan gained independence in 2011. Since the end of 2013, the power struggle between South Sudanese President Kiir and then - Vice - President Machar has triggered an armed conflict across the country. In September 2018, all parties to the conflict in South Sudan signed a revitalized agreement, opening a window of opportunity for achieving sustainable peace and stability in South Sudan. However, since early March this year, conflicts have broken out between the government forces and opposition armed forces in Upper Nile State, raising concerns in the outside world about the deterioration of South Sudan's political and security situation.