Publication

This report, based on interviews with policy officials, diplomats, industry and security experts, and others, examines China’s evolving commercial and political interests in Sudan. Insights include 1) that China’s bilateral relationship with Sudan was once among its strongest in Africa, based largely on Beijing’s pre-2011 economic interest in Sudanese oil; 2) this relationship has changed significantly in the past decade following the impact of South Sudan’s independence on Sudan’s oil reserves and the ouster of longtime ally President Omar al-Bashir; 3) yet, the need for China to protect its economic interests in Sudan will increase, due to Beijing’s interests in the country related to the Belt and Road Initiative, and more.