In 2013, the friendly relations between the People's Republic of China and the Republic of South Sudan grew steadily, with exchanges and cooperation in all areas yielding positive outcomes.
The two countries maintained communication at all levels. In July, Stephen Dhieu Dau, President's special envoy and Minister of Petroleum and Mining of South Sudan, visited China. He met with NPC Vice Chairman Chen Zhu and held talks with Foreign Minister Wang Yi. Dhieu passed on a letter from President Salva Kiir Mayardit to President Xi Jinping. In March, South Sudan's Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Nhial Deng Nhial sent a congratulatory message to Foreign Minister Wang Yi for taking up his new post. In August, China's Vice President Li Yuanchao sent a congratulatory message to South Sudan's newly inaugurated Vice President James Wani Igga. Foreign Minister Wang Yi sent a congratulatory message to his South Sudanese counterpart Barnaba Marial Benjamin. In September, NPC Chairman Zhang Dejiang sent his congratulations to South Sudan's new Speaker of the Parliament Magok Rundial. In the same month, Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with South Sudan's Foreign Minister Benjamin when attending the general debate of the 68th session of UN General Assembly in New York. In October, Foreign Minister Wang expressed sympathy to Foreign Minister Benjamin as South Sudan suffered nationwide flood. China's Red Cross Society provided humanitarian assistance to South Sudan. After clashes broke out in South Sudan, China provided emergency humanitarian assistance to the country through the International Committee of the Red Cross. Ambassador Zhong Jianhua, Special Representative of the Chinese Government on African Affairs, paid four visits to South Sudan in April, June, August and December, and attended South Sudan Economic Partners Forum in the US in April.
In August, China's new ambassador to South Sudan Ma Qiang presented the letter of credence to President Kiir.
Exchanges and cooperation between the two countries in business, culture and health made new progress. Business cooperation moved forward steadily, oil cooperation has deepened, and Chinese enterprises actively invested in South Sudan's infrastructure programs, such as road, hydro-power, telecommunication and medical care. The construction of Rumbek hospital supported by China's assistance was completed. The Chinese side donated batches of medical equipment, anti-malaria drugs, solar power batteries and lighting equipment. The two countries also signed the agreement on continued sending of medical teams to South Sudan.
