South Sudanese Leader Shortens China Trip

South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir is cutting short a trip to China because of what a Chinese official called “domestic issues.”

Kiir had planned to remain in the country until Saturday. He met with the National People’s Congress chairman Wu Bangguo Wednesday, who said it was unfortunate the South Sudanese leader would be leaving and canceling a trip to Shanghai. It was not clear when Kiir will depart China. He held talks Tuesday with Chinese President Hu Jintao, and said Sudan’s bombings of southern territory amount to a declaration of war against his country. China has urged both sides to settle their issues through peaceful negotiations, and said it is sending an envoy to the region to promote talks. Tuesday, the United Nations Security Council called for an immediate end to fighting between Sudan and South Sudan.