China has pledged a $10-million aid to help South Sudan respond to humanitarian needs.

Chinese Ambassador to South Sudan Ma Qiang told Xinhua on August 20 the funds will be used to purchase food and non-food items in an effort to immediately rescue lives of thousands in dire humanitarian condition.

Ma said people of South Sudan are at critical humanitarian assistance aggravated by the recent fighting that has forced nearly 1 million people to flee their country to seek refuge in the neighboring countries.

"I am going to meet the minister of humanitarian affairs to discuss other items that are urgently needed so that we can immediately provide to rescue those in dire need of assistance," Ma told Xinhua in Juba.

The current humanitarian situation was prompted by renewed fighting between forces loyal to President Salva Kiir and rebel leader Riek Machar and the mid December 2013 civil strife.

Ma said the immediate humanitarian assistance needed includes rice, shelters and medical drugs for maternal diseases and cholera, as well as other valuable medical equipment.

He stressed that at this critical time China is still committed to providing humanitarian assistance to those who are in need.

In 2016, humanitarian needs in South Sudan have continued to grow as a result of violence, displacement, hunger and disease.

(Xinhua News Agency August 21, 2016)