Economic+Impact+-+Darfur+-+F08+-+1

**China Plays Major Role in Sudan's Economy Boom **
 Over the past couple of years, Sudan has been experiencing an extreme economy boom. This year, Sudan is expected to earn between $4 billion and $5 billion, all from ** oil **. Behind all of this is one country: China. China has become Sudan's largest investor and now buys 70% of the liquid gold while dominating 10% of oil imports. In the last decade, China has invested between $3 billion and $10 billion in the Sudanese Energy Sector. In entirety, that is $250 billion soaring into Khartoum's pockets each year.

To make itself more agreeable with the Bashir regime, China has recently cancelled $100 million in Sudan loan debt and has also partaken in building new roads, bridges, an oil refinery, and a hydroelectric dam. On top of this, a new $20 million presidential palace has been built. China has also pledged $5.2 million in humanitarian assistance in Darfur, as well as all of Sudan.  Sudan has doubled its defense budget by spending 60% to 80% of its oil revenue on arms that are made in China. Also with help from the Chinese, the Sudanese Government has built numerous weapon factories.

Even now China continues to sign new oil development agreements with Sudan and still holds the position of Sudan's chief economic partner, major arms supplier, and key diplomatic employer. China's influence over Sudan is stated as "critical to Khartoum's economic development and international relations, as well as to prospects for a peaceful resolution to the Darfur conflict."

Ever since Sudan became involved with China, their economy has been prospering. Trade in Sudan more than doubled in the first months of 2007. Who knows how it will continue to progress.

// works cited //
Brookes, Peter. __Empowering Evil: China Aids Sudan’s Killers__. 2008. The Heritage Foundation. 23 Sept. 2008 .

__China In Sudan: Having It Both Ways__. 18 Oct. 2007. savedarfur.com. 23 Sept. 2008 

Feinsten, Lee. __China and Sudan__. 24 Apr. 2007. TPM Cafe. 23 Sept. 2008 