This Issue Brief, the seventh in the series, examines the nature of the relationship between the two countries, with particular emphasis on the oil industry and arms sales, as well as on commercial, political and military ties. It reviews Khartoum’s increasing economic dependence on China within the context of the Darfur conflict, international efforts to bring peace and security to the region and mounting criticism of Beijing due to its protection of Khartoum at the UN Security Council. The Brief assesses the leverage that Beijing exerts over Khartoum and the extent to which recent changes in Sino-Sudanese relations might bolster efforts to bring peace to Darfur.