On December 25, 2013, Chinese government’s special representative on African affairs Zhong Jianhua held a telephone conversation with South Sudanese Foreign Minister Barnaba Marial Benjamin.

Zhong Jianhua showed his concern over the heavy casualties caused by the armed conflicts in South Sudan, and hoped that the relevant parties of South Sudan could keep calm and restraint, and resolve their differences through peaceful dialogue as soon as possible. He also hoped that the South Sudanese government would take effective measures to safeguard the personal and property safety of Chinese people and institutions in South Sudan.

Benjamin agreed with China’s position on the situation in South Sudan and highly appreciated China’s continuous support for South Sudan under such a turbulent situation, and expressed that South Sudanese President Salva Kiir Mayardit is ready to have unconditional talks with former Vice President Riek Machar. South Sudan attaches importance to China’s concerns and would continue to well safeguard the security of Chinese people and institutions.