UPDATE 1-China's Hu calls for Sudans to exercise restraint

[bemildred]

It's too hard to extract the oil in the midst of a civil war.

(Reuters) - Chinese President Hu Jintao called for restraint from the two Sudans on Tuesday after South Sudan President Salva Kiir told Hu that his country's larger northern neighbour had declared war on the newly-independent state.

Hu "stated that he very much hoped that both Sudans would proceed from the broader considerations of the fundamental interests of both countries' people and regional peace and stability and adhere to choosing peace, respecting each others' sovereignty and exercising calm and restraint," state television said.

He urged both sides to settle their disputes through peaceful negotiations and give and take, it added.

"The urgent task is to actively cooperate with the mediation efforts of the international community and halt armed conflict in the border areas," the report paraphrased Hu as telling Kiir during a meeting in Beijing.

"China sincerely hopes that South Sudan and Sudan can become good neighbours who coexist in amity and good partners who develop together," Hu added.

http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/04/24/china-southsudan-idUSL3E8FO8LD20120424

[susanlinch]

1. i think china is between the devil and the deep sea

i think china is between the devil and the deep sea

[amandabeech]

2. But China will do what is in its best interests.

South Sudanese oil is in their best interests, especially if things get going in the Gulf.