South Kordofan, which contains the disputed Abyei oil region, is located
next to Darfour and rebels have accused China of helping Khartoum finance
the war in the province. Diplomats said the captors have demanded a share of
oil production, estimated at 500,000 barrels per day.
This marked the third attack on Chinese oil interests in Sudan in a
year. In December 2007, Darfour fighters attacked a Chinese-operated oil
field in Kordofan. In October of that year, the rebel Justice and Equality
Movement abducted two foreign workers and three Sudanese from the
Chinese-run Defra field. The men were later released.
Diplomats said China, who buys two-thirds of Sudan's oil exports, has
played a major role in both Khartoum's energy and security sector. About 140
Chinese troops and engineers were deployed to maintain order in Darfour
under a United Nations mandate.
Kordofan has been marred by attacks by rebels and discontented tribes,
particularly the Messeria tribe. In May 2008, four Indian oil workers of
Petro Energy Contracting Services and their driver were abducted in the
province.
Diplomats said Messeria was believed to be responsible for the latest
attack in South Kordofan.