China says more work needed for peaceful Sudan
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}China has called an independence referendum in Southern Sudan "an important step" toward stability in the oil-rich region.
China has been seeking strong relations with officials in both Sudan's north and south works to secure its energy needs. Sudan is sub-Saharan Africa's third-largest oil producer, producing 490,000 barrels of oil a day last year, a 50 percent increase from 2006.
The Southern Sudan Referendum Commission announced Sunday that 99 percent of voters in the south voted for independence during a referendum earlier in January.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei said Tuesday that the referendum was not the end and that the "ultimate goal" should be to bring lasting peace and stability to Sudan.