Topic:
Country: China
Delegate Name: Colin Zaremski
On April 15, 2023 the Paramilitary Rapid Support Forces(RSF) began surprise attacks in Khartoum, the capital of Sudan, against the Sudanese Army. This has caused other attacks to pop up in other cities in Sudan. In 2019 a coup ousted most civilian-held positions in government and put General Abdel-Fattah Burhan of the Sudanese Army as Chairman and Mohammed Hamdan Dagalo of the Rapid Support Forces as Deputy Chairman which helped be the catalyst for the fighting in 2023. Plans were also made to dissolve the Rapid Support Forces and integrate them into the Sudanese Army. These plans were rapidly accelerated in the months leading up to April. The fighting broke out over plans to reinstate many of the officials that were overthrown in 2019, which the Rapid Support Forces opposed and that caused conflict to break out. This has caused many to be displaced and forced to look for shelter in neighboring countries and in other cities in Sudan far from the conflict, which has put stress on those areas to support those fleeing the fighting. Due to the fighting, roads and supply routes the people in need of medical assistance have been cut off.
The People’s Republic of China has so far taken an overall neutral stance on the issue and is keeping a small eye on the situation due to economic interests in the region. China has deep rooted diplomatic relations with Khartoum and expresses some support for the government. China has been outspoken against the UN’s urges for sanctions due to respecting Sudan’s national sovereignty. China has also been concerned about this spilling over and causing further instability in Sudan and in the Horn of Africa. Most of the aid sent by China has been economic aid to help keep the Sudanese floating.
China’s plan going forward to help give Sudan more economic aid and helping fund the construction and actually constructing ports and oil fields. China also has a possibility of helping mediate the conflict and bringing both sides to the discussion table thanks to China’s huge influence over the region. China is also working towards establishing better ties with Sudan on the principles of sincerity, real results, and good faith in one another.
