France 24 on Chinese Diplomacy in the Two Sudans

France 24 ran a web article on 24 April 2012 titled The Conflict between the Two Sudans, A Laboratory for Chinese Diplomacy. Keyed to the visit to China by South Sudanese President Salva Kiir, it emphasizes the uncomfortable role of China as a mediator between Sudan and South Sudan.

France 24 asked me to comment for the article. I noted that China has played an important role in Sudan for many years and has worked hard since the Comprehensive Peace Agreement to improve relations with South Sudan. It wants, however, to work behind the scene to help avert an all out war between Khartoum and Juba. I also noted that China will not choose sides but try to maintain good relations with both countries. In this regard, it has already offered to finance a technical study of a new pipeline that would allow Juba to export oil through Kenya.

You can read the entire article in French here.