Oil as a link between South Sudan and China

Abstract

This article aims at investigating the evolution of the relations between South Sudan and China having the complex triangulation among the development of the oil industry in Sudan, the process of South Sudanese independence and the Chinese energy interests in the region as the guiding thread. In order to achieve this objective, initially, the assumptions of the “State Fragility” theory, on which this article is based, will be presented and discussed. Next, the paper will describe and analyse the conditions for the development of the oil sector in Sudan, the Chinese involvement in the process of South Sudanese independence, and the decisive role China has had for the leaders of the independence movement to remain in power in the post-2011 period. Finally, the conclusion discusses the role of both the strategic commodities and China for the state consolidation of new African states.

Keywords

• china. sudão do sul. petróleo.