H.E. Ambassador Ma Qiang and Hon. Sarah Nyanath Elijah Yong, Minister of Culture, Museums and National Heritage, in a group photo with students from the University of Juba, members of the South Sudan National Youth Union, and children from the Atek Kilwak Orphanage during the "Discover the Pandaland" Open Day at the Chinese Embassy in Juba, April 29, 2026. (Credit: Chinese Embassy in Juba)

The Chinese Ambassador to South Sudan, Ma Qiang issued a direct challenge to the young people of South Sudan during the Chinese Embassy’s Open Day: look beyond the horizon and seize the “China opportunities” of the modern era. By connecting an ancient 5,000-year civilisation with the cutting-edge world of robotics, the Ambassador’s address on April 29 served as both a cultural invitation and a roadmap for a new generation of bilateral partnership.

The Embassy in South Sudan held an “Open Day” event on April 29. The gathering included students and officials, such as Hon. Sarah Nyanath Elijah Yong, Minister of Culture, Museums and National Heritage. The event focused on the “Giant Pandas” theme and aligned with the China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges.

Ambassador Ma Qiang addressed the audience regarding the status of the giant panda as a national treasure. He stated that the animal symbolizes China’s values of peace and nature conservation. He noted that the panda consumes bamboo and does not target other animals, representing a commitment to friendship in international relations.

“The giant panda… is strong but never bullies weaker animals, and chooses bamboo as its primary food, symbolizing peace and friendship,” the Ambassador stated.

The Ambassador emphasized the role of youth in maintaining relations between nations. Since 2022, he has visited the University of Juba and the SPLM Youth League to meet with students. He cited President Xi Jinping’s view that efforts toward sound relations must start with young people.

“While the key to sound relations between countries lies in close bonds between peoples, efforts to this end must start from the youth,” Ambassador Ma Qiang quoted.

The Ambassador outlined three specific goals for South Sudanese youth, including knowledge, Communication, and participation.

He encouraged students to study China’s 5,000-year history alongside its current developments in AI and robotics, urging the youth to share information about China’s modernization and development opportunities with their peers.

The Chinese Ambassador invited students to join exchange programs and study opportunities in China to learn about its traditions and ethnic groups.

This event followed a series of culture festivals held the previous year. To conclude the program, the Embassy provided books on Chinese history and technology for the attendees. The Ambassador stated that the Embassy will continue to facilitate exchanges across various fields to support China-South Sudan relations.