Port Sudan, Sudan - January 08, 2025 Sudan on Wednesday began distributing 1,250 tonnes of rice donated by China to districts across the country, as part of efforts to alleviate food shortages and support vulnerable communities. The rice was shipped to Port Sudan, the capital of eastern Sudan's Red Sea State, last month to support humanitarian response in the war-torn country. Sudanese government officials and representatives of the Chinese Embassy in Sudan attended the launching ceremony in Port Sudan. Addressing the ceremony, Zhang Xianghua, charge d'affaires at the Chinese embassy, emphasized that the Chinese government is paying close attention to the humanitarian situation in Sudan and remains committed to offering assistance within its means. He also expressed hope that this donation of rice would significantly contribute to alleviating the difficulties faced by the Sudanese people. Salwa Adam Benya, Sudan's humanitarian aid commissioner, expressed heartfelt gratitude to China for its valuable support, noting that the aid would be distributed to every state, ensuring that people across Sudan would benefit from the relief supplies. The ongoing conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces since mid-April 2023 has devastated Sudan's agricultural sector and exacerbated food insecurity, with many regions facing the threat of famine. According to official statistics, 28.9 million people in Sudan need humanitarian assistance due to an ongoing conflict. In a report released last month, the UN estimated that more than 24.6 million people -- half of Sudan's population -- would likely face high levels of acute food insecurity as of May 2025. Shotlist: Port Sudan, Sudan - Jan 8, 2025: 1. Various of Chinese, Sudanese representatives in discussion, trucks loaded with China-donated rice; FILE: Sudan - Date Unknown 2. Various of China-donated aid to Sudan; Port Sudan, Sudan - Jan 8, 2025 3. SOUNDBITE (Arabic) Salwa Adam Benya, Sudan's humanitarian aid commissioner: "Sudan and China have a long-standing and deep friendship, and China has been a strong supporter of Sudan's development."; Port Sudan, Sudan - Dec 25, 2024 4. Various of evacuation of displaced people seen from moving vehicle; 5. Various of displaced people, tents. [Restriction - No access Chinese mainland/Al-Arabiya TV/Middle East Broadcasting Center]