Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir arrived in Beijing on Tuesday for talks with his Chinese counterpart Hu Jintao. Issues expected to be discussed by the two leaders include Beijing’s aid to Khartoum and crisis in Abyei, a disputed border region claimed by both Sudan and the rival south government. Bashir’s meetings with the Chinese president and other senior leaders are scheduled for Wednesday, said the Chinese foreign ministry. China is a key ally of the Sudanese president, who is wanted by the International Criminal Court for alleged war crimes and genocide.

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Context
Over 30 people were reportedly killed in fighting between south Sudanese military and rebel fighters, according to military sources, in the latest wave of violence to hit the area ahead of its planned declaration of independence in July. The victims included 20 southern military soldiers who were killed on Tuesday in the fighting with militia loyal to Gen. Peter Gadet, the former officer of the southern army (SPLA) who rebelled earlier this month. Southern leaders are blaming their former rivals in the north of supporting the rebels to destabilize the region and maintain control over its oil, accusations Khartoum denies.

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