China’s Debt Relief and Extractive Push in War-Torn Sudan

Since the outbreak of a three-year civil war in 2023, Sudan’s eastern half is controlled by General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan’s Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF). The regime carries over $56 billion in debt, owes China more than $5 billion, and lacks functional diplomatic representation from Western states. The United States closed its embassy in April 2023 and halted aid in January 2025; the European Union has pledged over €200 million, but deliveries are sporadic. China, a long-standing partner since 1996, has continued negotiations with the SAF, forgiving four no-interest loans totaling $50 million and pursuing a $300 million copper agreement that would grant Sudan 30 percent of profits for 30 years.

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Chinese Chargé d’Affaires Xu Jian announced that Beijing will maintain $30 million in grant-funded projects and seeks to restart CNPC oil operations. Sudanese Finance Minister Dr. Gebreil Ibrahim welcomed the loan forgiveness as an opportunity for Chinese entry into Africa and for developing Sudanese skills. Beijing also voted for an immediate cessation of hostilities in the November 2024 UN Security Council resolution, positioning itself as a neutral peace advocate while preserving access to Sudan’s resources.

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The Eastern Sudan Advisory Council and the Beja Congress have called for a freeze on any new deals with China, warning that contracts signed under the current junta may be legally challenged by future governments. The council notes the absence of a functioning national legislature, community consultation, or environmental and social impact assessments, raising questions about the legitimacy of the agreements.

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• “China remains one of the few who continue to negotiate with the Sudanese Army on any economic level.” — The Diplomat analysis

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• “Instead, the recent loan forgiveness to Burhans’ regime, which is illegitimate and undemocratic, was paired with Chargé d’Affaires Xu Jian’s statements that China would continue $30 million of grant-funded projects in Sudan and aim to resume CNPC operations within the country.” — Xu Jian, Chargé d’Affaires, China

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• “In fact, the Eastern Sudan Advisory Council and the Beja Congress called for a freeze on any deal-making with China.” — Eastern Sudan Advisory Council statement

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• “There is no functioning national legislature, no record of community consultation, and no published environmental or social impact assessments.” — Eastern Sudan Advisory Council statement

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These developments illustrate how China is leveraging Sudan’s weakened state to secure long-term extractive contracts while the nation endures humanitarian collapse and legal uncertainty.

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