On August 19, 2014, Foreign Minister Wang Yi held talks with Foreign Minister Barnaba Marial Benjamin of South Sudan in Beijing.

Wang Yi expressed that China-South Sudan relations have witnessed sound development since the establishment of the diplomatic relationship. The Chinese side regards South Sudan as an important cooperative partner and is willing to make joint efforts with South Sudan to further strengthen political exchanges, expand practical cooperation and broaden people-to-people and cultural exchanges so as to continuously push forward the development of China-South Sudan relations.

With respect to conflicts in South Sudan, Wang Yi expressed that the Chinese side has always actively promoted peace talks to push forward a restoration of stability in South Sudan as soon as possible. The Chinese side believes that the settlement of the South Sudanese issue should adhere to the following four points:

First, to cease fire and end violence immediately is the precondition for the restoration of peace and stability in South Sudan. It is hoped that both sides involved in the conflicts should give top priority to the interests of the country and the people, enhance the sense of urgency, earnestly implement the Agreement on the Cessation of Hostilities and realize a comprehensive and lasting ceasefire so as to restore peace and tranquility in the country at an early date.

Second, to conduct political dialogues is the sole way for South Sudan to realize national reconciliation. It is hoped that both sides involved in the conflicts, together with other ethnic and political groups in the country, will earnestly push forward inclusive political dialogues and arrive at a solution acceptable to all parties as soon as possible so as to realize national reconciliation and unity.

Third, Africa solving the issue on its own is the fundamental principle in mediating the South Sudanese issue. Africa has unique history, culture and wisdom. Hot-spot issues in Africa should be settled by African countries on their own in an African way. The Chinese side firmly supports the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) for making mediating efforts and playing a leading role in the mediation of the South Sudanese conflicts.

Fourth, to alleviate the humanitarian situation is the common responsibility of the international community. After the outbreak of the conflicts, the Chinese side took the lead in offering emergency assistance to South Sudan and will also provide South Sudan with humanitarian supplies such as medicine and tents. In the future, the Chinese side will continue to provide humanitarian assistance to South Sudan based on the needs of the situation.

Benjamin expressed that South Sudan attaches great importance to the South Sudan-China relations and stands ready to promote the comprehensive and in-depth development of bilateral relations. He appreciated the Chinese side for actively promoting peace talks on the issue of South Sudanese situation, and expressed that South Sudan highly values the initiative proposed by the Chinese side, stands ready to make utmost efforts on issues such as ceasefire, cessation of violence, dialogues and reconciliation and welcomes the Chinese side to play a greater role in the mediation of the issue of South Sudanese conflicts.