Face of Truth: Sudan and China… “Love, and Renewed Again”

Ibrahim Shglawi

With this poetic title—borrowed from the opening of one of Abdel Karim Al-Kabli’s celebrated poems that immortalized renewed commitment and elevated the values of appreciation and loyalty—we enter the realm of international relations through a Sudanese cultural lens. It is a “renewed love” that was never merely emotional, but one China has consistently translated into tangible actions whenever crises deepened, and Sudan needed a partner who would not compromise its sovereignty nor demand loyalty in exchange for partnership.

Between Khartoum and Beijing, there exists a unique connection between two capitals and a deeply rooted relationship. Since the 1960s, Sudan has sought to strengthen ties with China, recognizing its need for a developmental partner who does not speak the language of impositions but extends a hand of cooperation and assistance—and that is precisely what Sudan found in China. Some even trace the roots of this connection further back, to the colonial adventures of Gordon Pasha in China, which ultimately ended in Sudan—suggesting that the destinies of both nations intersected early in their resistance to arrogance and imperialism.

This relationship, which for decades oscillated between economic cooperation and political support, has recently entered a more dynamic and defined phase with the visit of General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, Chairman of the Sovereignty Council, to Beijing last September, during the China-Africa Cooperation Forum. The visit was of high importance, as it marked Sudan’s return to the heart of one of the most significant geopolitical and economic frameworks of the 21st century: the Belt and Road Initiative.

During this visit, China demonstrated that it continues to live up to the Sudanese people’s trust. In just two days, major agreements worth over 7 billion USD were signed. These covered sectors such as energy, the construction and modernization of ports and airports, mining development, electricity generation, and the rehabilitation of transportation infrastructure. A landmark agreement was also signed in the field of defense industries with China’s Poly Technologies, boosting Sudan’s strategic and security readiness in wartime and beyond.

This package of agreements signals a strategic intent by both parties to rebuild Sudan—not only physically but also by reinforcing its place in the evolving geopolitical landscape. It also indicates that China still views Sudan as a reliable partner, especially given its unique geographic location on the Red Sea, where security meets economics and balance is forged.

Currently, China is completing its political and economic support by rehabilitating two iconic symbols of Sudanese sovereignty: the Friendship Hall and the new Republican Palace, both of which it previously helped build—the former in 1976 with later upgrades in 2005 and 2017, and the latter between 2011 and 2014 with direct support from Beijing. Today, China returns to restore what was destroyed by war, in a gesture rich with symbolism, gratitude, and mutual respect.

In line with this vision, Lt. Gen. Dr. Mohamed Al-Ghali, Secretary-General of the Sovereignty Council, announced last week the completion of the first phase of the Republican Palace’s rehabilitation. The next phase will map out the engineering and technical needs, to be implemented within the framework of China’s committed support.

These steps render the palace’s rehabilitation an act that reflects the state’s return to its rightful place and its readiness to enter a new phase—one that requires renewing historic alliances with sincere partners and using them wisely.

In this context, the recent speech by China’s representative at the UN Security Council laid a political cornerstone atop the economic foundation. He clearly affirmed support for Sudan’s Hope Government, stating that the appointment of a civilian Prime Minister was a positive step deserving of support, and that Sudan alone holds the right to determine its political path—calling for respect of its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Observers commended this stance as reflecting China’s international philosophy of positive neutrality and respect for national particularity—traits that make China more accepted in Africa than traditional powers.

Hence, this historical moment calls on Sudanese people and the state alike to rise to the challenge, and to understand clearly that China is not merely an economic partner, but a partner in national renaissance. If a clear vision is outlined—one that is based on supreme national interests rather than political fluctuations—then Khartoum can greatly benefit from this enduring and productive alliance, grounded in the deep ties between both peoples.

It affirms that the Sudanese state, despite the challenges it faces, is still capable of asserting its presence—if it reads its alliances wisely, understands its priorities, and moves toward rebuilding itself away from illusions and close to reality.

And if war has exhausted Sudan, then peace and development can swiftly revive it—provided there is genuine will, a clear vision, and true partners. Foremost among these remains China, the old friend who never abandoned Sudan, and who still believes that loyalty to relationships built on respect and mutual appreciation—“love” (al-reeda)—in politics as in poetry, never dies if it is sincere.

Wishing you well and in good health.
Sunday, July 6, 2025
Shglawi55@gmail.com