This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-30577294

The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Chinese troops ready to join Sudan Sudan UN force Chinese troops ready to join South Sudan UN force
(8 days later)
China has said 700 troops are ready to be deployed to South Sudan to bolster a UN force in the country, China's official Xinhua news agency reports.China has said 700 troops are ready to be deployed to South Sudan to bolster a UN force in the country, China's official Xinhua news agency reports.
It will be the first peacekeeping battalion to be deployed, it says.It will be the first peacekeeping battalion to be deployed, it says.
On Sunday, a Chinese firm said it had signed a deal with South Sudan to increase its oil production.On Sunday, a Chinese firm said it had signed a deal with South Sudan to increase its oil production.
It fell by about a third after conflict broke out a year ago, raising concern in China as it is heavily dependent on oil from the East African state.It fell by about a third after conflict broke out a year ago, raising concern in China as it is heavily dependent on oil from the East African state.
Conflict in numbers:Conflict in numbers:
Sources: ICG; OchaSources: ICG; Ocha
Xinhua reported that 180 troops would fly to South Sudan next month followed by the rest of the battalion in March.Xinhua reported that 180 troops would fly to South Sudan next month followed by the rest of the battalion in March.
A rally was held on Monday in the city of Laiyang in Shandong Province for the battalion, which would be equipped with drones, armoured infantry carriers, anti-tank missiles, mortars and other weapons for self-defence purposes, it said.A rally was held on Monday in the city of Laiyang in Shandong Province for the battalion, which would be equipped with drones, armoured infantry carriers, anti-tank missiles, mortars and other weapons for self-defence purposes, it said.
Meanwhile, the state-owned China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC) said, in a statement, that it would use heavy oil recovery technologies in "stabilising and increasing crude output" following the deal signed with South Sudan's government.Meanwhile, the state-owned China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC) said, in a statement, that it would use heavy oil recovery technologies in "stabilising and increasing crude output" following the deal signed with South Sudan's government.
China's oil fears over South SudanChina's oil fears over South Sudan
Oil accounts for more than 90% of South Sudan's foreign revenues.Oil accounts for more than 90% of South Sudan's foreign revenues.
Its oil-producing regions have seen some of the worst fighting since President Salva Kiiir accused his sacked deputy, Riek Machar, of plotting a coup last December.Its oil-producing regions have seen some of the worst fighting since President Salva Kiiir accused his sacked deputy, Riek Machar, of plotting a coup last December.
Mr Machar denied the allegation but then marshalled a rebel force to fight Mr Kiir's government.Mr Machar denied the allegation but then marshalled a rebel force to fight Mr Kiir's government.
International mediation efforts to end the conflict have failed.International mediation efforts to end the conflict have failed.
The UN has more than 11,000 peacekeepers in South Sudan, which became independent in 2011 after breaking away from Sudan.The UN has more than 11,000 peacekeepers in South Sudan, which became independent in 2011 after breaking away from Sudan.