As the instability continues, tensions escalate, and the instability in the Sudan appears to have entered an irreversible spiral. As the ceasefire between SAF and the Rapid Support Force approaches its expiration, it is widely predicted that more intense clashes are about to erupt, bringing with it more uncertainty and risk. Behind this chaos, thousands of foreign citizens are involved, including more than 1,500 citizens from China. The situation of these Chinese is precarious, as the ceasefire is coming to an end and the window for withdrawal is gradually closing.
The conflict between the two sides in the Sudan, although slightly abated during the temporary ceasefire, has not really stopped. At the same time, the chaotic situation in the country has also escalated, and incidents such as smashing and looting have occurred one after another. Under these circumstances, countries have begun to carry out intensive evacuation operations to ensure the safety of their citizens. U.S. President Joe Biden announced that U.S. government personnel have been evacuated from Khartoum and temporarily closed the embassy in Khartoum. France, Saudi Arabia, Japan, South Korea and other countries have also announced withdrawal plans. However, with Sudanese airspace closed, plans for the withdrawal of civil aviation became unrealistic, and the role of the PLA base in Djibouti became increasingly important.
Although Sudan and Djibouti are close together, they are geographically close and both are located on the Red Sea coast. This has provided certain facilitation for the evacuation of overseas Chinese. Analysts believe China may take two approaches to evacuate its overseas Chinese. One is by convoy escort through Ethiopia or Eritrea and finally to Djibouti. The other is to send military transport aircraft to transport personnel. However, the latter is less viable due to internal tensions in the Sudan. Despite the high level of adventure, speed is one of its strengths.
The PLA base in Djibouti has become an important support point in this evacuation operation. As China's only overseas base, the Djibouti base not only provides supplies for escort missions in the Gulf of Aden, but also provides logistical support for peacekeeping forces. The task of evacuating overseas Chinese also falls within the responsibility of the Djibouti base, as it aims to safeguard China's overseas interests and ensure the safety of overseas citizens.
The Djibouti base is located at the southern tip of the Red Sea, not far from Sudan, and although it does not have a direct border, its geographical location is crucial to this evacuation operation. Djibouti is seen as a key "stronghold" in the evacuation plans of various countries. The stationing of personnel in bases established by the Self-Defense Forces and U.S. military bases in Japan and South Korea respectively demonstrates the strategic importance of the bases.
The turmoil in Sudan has a significant impact on China. According to data released by the State Administration of Taxation, China is Sudan's largest trading partner, and Chinese companies have many investments in Sudan. However, this civil unrest has left many businesses in trouble. For those companies that set up factories locally and invested a lot of money, the losses can be incalculable.
Overall, with the volatile situation in the Sudan, the evacuation of foreign citizens is extremely urgent. Evacuation plans are under way, with the People's Liberation Army base in Djibouti playing a key role in efforts to safeguard the safety of Chinese citizens abroad. Despite the risks and challenges, the Chinese government will do everything in its power to ensure that its citizens escape safely.