Mujung Hails China as Key Partner at Juba Ceremony

(JUBA) – Senior government officials in South Sudan joined Chinese diplomats in Juba to celebrate the seventy sixth anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, describing the Asian nation as one of the country’s most reliable partners since independence.

The event held at the Pyramid Continental Hotel in the capital was attended by Central Equatoria Governor Rabi Mujung Emmanuel, Cabinet Affairs Minister Martin Elia Lomuro, diplomats and members of the public.

The office of the state governor said the gathering reflected the growing links between the two countries in trade, infrastructure and cultural exchange.

Speaking at the ceremony, State Minister Lomuro said South Sudan views China as an example of how discipline and long term planning can lift a nation out of poverty. He said President Salva Kiir had personally sent a message of congratulations to Chinese President Xi Jinping.

He described China as a “true friend” that has supported South Sudan through road construction, hospital development, oil infrastructure and aviation support.

Chinese Ambassador Ma Qiang said his country’s economic rise was the result of strategic planning, including five year national plans. He said China had lifted almost eight hundred million people out of poverty and believes South Sudan can follow a similar path if it maintains stability and invests in infrastructure, education and innovation.

The ambassador said China would continue offering support in areas such as humanitarian relief, university scholarships and major construction projects including the Juba Rumbek Highway, the Juba Teaching Hospital and the headquarters of the Bank of South Sudan.

Officials at the event also used the occasion to reaffirm South Sudan’s commitment to peace and the planned national elections in December 2026. Minister Lomuro said the government is determined to complete the democratic transition outlined in the 2018 peace agreement.

He praised China’s policy of non interference and mutual respect, saying such principles allow countries like South Sudan to make their own decisions without pressure.

The anniversary event featured cultural performances by South Sudanese and Chinese children, which organisers said represented the shared future of both nations.

Although South Sudan holds vast oil reserves, it remains one of the least developed countries in the world. Many officials at the ceremony said China’s rise from poverty to global power was a reminder that progress is possible through long term investment and cooperation.

China has been South Sudan’s main partner in the oil sector since independence in 2011, providing both technical support and financing.