China pulled towards action in South Sudan

China has taken a more proactive role in trying to end the fighting in South Sudan, one of its main oil suppliers, suggesting Beijing is strengthening political engagement with African nations, observers say.

But any contacts would still be made in a low-key way in keeping with its policy of non-interference, despite pressure on China to step up its global political and security role as its economic power increases around the world, they said.

China imported about 14 million barrels of crude oil from South Sudan in the first 10 months of last year, about 80 per cent of its total export, and has more than 100 registered enterprises in the African nation.

Beijing sent special envoy Zhong Jianhua to carry out mediation efforts in South Sudan after violence broke out in December between its president, Salva Kiir, and rebels loyal to ousted vice-president Riek Machar. The two sides signed a ceasefire last month.

Foreign Minister Wang Yi also called for an end to hostilities during his visit to Ethiopia last month, urging all sides to start talks. China was deeply concerned about the crisis and South Sudan should be concentrating on economic development, Wang said.

Professor Daniel Large, an expert on developing nations at the Central European University based in Budapest, Hungary, said Beijing's energy ties meant it had to take a more direct role in South Sudan. "China can be committed to non-interference of course, but at the same time Beijing has to interfere," he said.