From December 17 to 22, 2017, Special Representative of the Chinese Government on African Affairs Ambassador Xu Jinghu led a delegation to attend at invitation the High Level Revitalization Forum on South Sudan Peace Agreement held in Addis Ababa, capital of Ethiopia, and the 59th Extraordinary Session of the (East Africa) Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) Council of Ministers held for the preparation of the forum. Special Representative Xu Jinghu respectively delivered speeches on the opening ceremonies of the above-mentioned meetings on behalf of the Chinese side, expressing that China has always paid close attention to the development of the South Sudan situation, actively participated in the South Sudan peace process and provided assistance within its capacity for South Sudan to realize its peace, stability and development. China will continue firmly supporting and assisting the IGAD-led mediation activities, supporting the efforts of the African people resolving the African issues in African ways, and working together with the international community to promote proper settlement of the South Sudan issue. Appreciating China's active contributions to advancing the South Sudan peace process, the participants of the meetings hoped that China continuously plays a greater role in promoting the settlement of the South Sudan issue.

The High Level Revitalization Forum on South Sudan Peace Agreement was held under IGAD's initiative, aiming to promote the implementation of the South Sudan peace agreement. More than 200 people from all parties in South Sudan conflict and other stakeholders in the country, IGAD member states as well as representatives of regional and international partners of the "IGAD Plus" mechanism and others were present. In the end, the Agreement on Cessation of Hostilities, Protection of Civilians and Humanitarian Access for the South Sudan was signed at the forum. China, together with the international partners of the South Sudan issue, signed on the agreement as international witnesses.

During the meetings, Special Representative Xu Jinghu gave an interview to China Global Television Network and other Chinese and foreign media.