Zhang Yi (L), Economic and Commercial Counselor at the Chinese Embassy in South Sudan, hands over some of the emergency food aid to Martha Nyamal (2nd R), Chairperson of the Relief and Rehabilitation Commission (RRS), in Juba, capital of South Sudan, Sept. 11, 2017. (Xinhua/Gale Julius)

JUBA, Sept. 12 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese embassy in South Sudan on Monday handed over 1,250 tonnes of rice as emergency food aid to the hunger-stricken East African country.

The donation is part of 8,800 tonnes of rice pledged by China in April to help war-torn South Sudan nation fight severe food shortage.

Zhang Yi, Economic and Commercial Counselor at the Chinese Embassy in South Sudan, while delivering the rice said a total of 2,750 tonnes have already been handed over to the South Sudanese government and another consignment of 1,500 tonnes have already reached neighboring Kenya, with the remaining batches expected to be completed before the end of the year.

Zhang said China will continue, within its capacity to provide strong support to South Sudan in humanitarian aid, state building and social-economic development.

Martha Nyamal, Chairperson of the Relief and Rehabilitation Commission (RRS), thanked the Chinese government for extending a helping hand to the vulnerable people of South Sudan.

She pledged that the RRC would make efficient and effective distribution of the Rice in all the 32 states to benefit the most vulnerable people.

"A friend in need is a friend indeed because in the past four years, the Chinese government and people have been standing with the people of South Sudan. In fact they are our brothers from another mother. So we appreciate the level of cooperation between our two countries," Nyawal said.

South Sudan has been embroiled in more than three years of conflict that has have taken a devastating toll on the people.

A peace deal signed in August 2015 between the rival leaders under UN pressure led to the establishment of a transitional unity government in April, but was shattered by renewed fighting in July 2016.