ABSTRACT

Sudan, as a sovereign state, has experienced political instability and armed conflict since its independence. This chapter examines how the discovery of oil in the southern part of the former Sudan in 1978 by the American oil giant, Chevron, and its subsequent exploitation over the years, influenced the engagement of other countries, especially China, with South Sudan. It argues that oil has been a major factor in the engagement of China and several other countries with this country. The chapter also examines the discovery of oil by Chevron and its impact on peace as well as relations between the former Sudan and other countries. It then discusses the end of the second war and establishment of relations between China and South Sudan as well as the cooperation of China and the USA to stabilize South Sudan.