A Chinese envoy on Monday called for the international community to step up support to help South Sudan achieve peace and prosperity.
Sun Lei, China's deputy permanent representative to the United Nations, said at a United Nations Security Council meeting on South Sudan that the African country continues to face severe challenges in its peace process, political transition, security situation, and economic and humanitarian conditions.
He emphasized three key points. First, the political transition must proceed in an orderly manner, and all parties should implement the revitalized peace agreement through dialog. Second, maintaining peace and stability is crucial.
Sun called for an end to hostilities, a reduction in intercommunal violence, and the accelerated deployment of unified security forces, along with strengthened border control. He also called for the Security Council to heed African nations' appeals by adjusting or lifting the arms embargo on South Sudan.
Third, improving economic and living conditions is fundamental.
Sun stressed the need for enhanced international assistance to promote economic diversification and sustainable development, adding that African solutions must be sought for African problems.
He also said that China has already provided support in energy restoration and food aid and will continue to play a constructive role in helping South Sudan move toward peace and prosperity.
"The international community should maintain the necessary inclusiveness and patience, support regional mediation efforts, and uphold African solutions for African problems. All parties must respect South Sudan's sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity, and avoid unlawful and undue interference or pressure," said Sun.
Chinese envoy calls for increased international support for South Sudan
Chinese envoy calls for increased international support for South Sudan
Chinese envoy calls for increased international support for South Sudan
A former television host from Taiwan, Zhai Xuan, has made a pivotal decision to leave mainstream broadcasting in order to create content that provides a better understanding of the Chinese mainland and cross-strait relations.
Zhai, a seasoned television host with over a decade of experience in Taiwan's media landscape, recently addressed an audience at an event in Beijing, where she revealed her complete transition into independent online media.
In her remarks, she articulated her aspiration to bridge what she perceives as a significant information gap between audiences on both sides of the Strait, highlighting her commitment to fostering a deeper understanding and connection through her new endeavors.
"I was really surprised by all the fake news. There were stories saying people on the mainland can't afford tea eggs or that they live in mud houses and in Taiwan, this was the main information many people received," said Zhai.
Zhai said she initially began producing online videos to challenge such perceptions while continuing her work as a television host.
In April 2025, she travelled to the mainland with her father to fulfill her late grandfather's wish to return to his hometown. The trip, which reunited family members separated since 1949, was recorded in a video series titled "Journey to Find Our Roots", drawing attention from viewers in both Taiwan and the mainland.
"Many people in Taiwan told me that after watching, they wanted to apply for a mainland travel permit immediately and go looking for their relatives. Some had long forgotten these things, but after seeing my story, they began thinking about their hometowns and family members they had never met and decided to search for their roots," Zhai shared her story at the event.
By mid-2025, Zhai said she began to feel increasing pressure amid rising political tensions and a tightening atmosphere around cross-Strait exchanges in Taiwan.
After more than 12 years in the industry, Zhai resigned from her position, believing it was the right thing to do.
"At that moment, I felt this was a major issue，not just for me, but for Chinese people on both sides of the Strait. If I backed down then, I wouldn’t be standing on the right side," said Zhai.
Since leaving television, Zhai has broadened her online programming to encompass a range of daily-life topics, including practical guidance on applying for a mainland travel permit and using commonly employed mobile applications, in addition to content that delves into historical memory and cultural connections across the Strait.
As the debate over cross-Strait relations continues in Taiwan, Zhai said she remains committed to her current path.
Former Taiwan TV host bridges cross-Strait divide via online media
