China delivers new high-tech weapons to Sudan and thus fans the flames of the genocide in Darfur

The Society for Threatened Peoples (GfbV) accused China on Friday of providing new high-tech weapons to Sudan and thus fanning the flames of the genocide in Darfur. China has in recent months delivered at least six A-5 fighters and FN-6 ground-air guided-missile systems to Sudan. This was borne out by a report of the publisher of the Canadian magazine Kanwa Defense Review Monthly showing satellite pictures of Sudanese air force bases and the evaluation of video material of military parades.

"China is claiming the status of a world power, but is taking no responsibility for stopping the worst genocide of the present time”, criticised the GfbV Africa correspondent, Ulrich Delius. "With the delivery of new fighters the People’s Republic is enabling Sudan to extend its inhuman bombing of the civilian population in Darfur.” Until now old Antonov transport machines from the Soviets were being used for the destruction of hundreds of villages in the west of Sudan. In such air-raids in February/March 2008 more than 100 village people were killed and 30,000 driven out.

In March 2008 the Chinese Foreign Office denied responsibility for rearming Sudan. However from 2004 till 2006 the People’s Republic is said to have sold light arms to the value of 55 million US dollars to Sudan. Peking is accused of providing 90 percent of the light arms imported in this period.

China is regarded as the closest ally of the Sudanese government in Khartoum. Two years after the beginning of the genocide in Darfur China and Sudan signed a military agreement concerning military aid and arms deliveries to the value of 80 million US dollars. Consequently China is today Sudan’s most important trade partner. Two thirds of its export revenue is earned from the People’s Republic. About 80 percent of the oil produced in Sudan is exported to China.

"In return China’s leaders cover up systematically those responsible for the genocide in Darfur”, said Delius. Peking does all it can to prevent sanctions being imposed on Sudan and the increase of political pressure on Khartoum. In the run-up to the Olympic Games China is emphasising its concern for peace in Darfur, but words are not being followed by action.