For the first time in its history, the G20 Leaders' Summit is being held on African soil, with Johannesburg hosting world leaders from November 22 to 23, 2025. This landmark event signals a transformative moment in global governance as emerging economies take center stage.
Chinese Premier Li Qiang opened Saturday's summit by invoking President Xi Jinping's 2022 message: "Solidarity is strength, but division leads nowhere." Against a backdrop of geopolitical fractures and economic disparities, Li emphasized unity as the cornerstone of progress, urging G20 members to prioritize developing nations' interests in reshaping global economic systems.
A New Era for Global South Representation
The Africa-hosted summit highlights China's sustained efforts to amplify developing nations' voices. Since President Xi first advocated for the African Union's G20 membership at the 2022 Bali summit, Beijing has spearheaded multiple initiatives to empower emerging economies:
Supported BRICS expansion to strengthen Global South collaboration
Established the International Organization for Mediation with 30+ nations
Created regional cooperation frameworks spanning Africa, Latin America, and Pacific Island nations
Driving Economic Openness Amid Protectionism
While addressing trade barriers and unilateral policies, Premier Li reiterated China's commitment to multilateralism. Key developments include:
23 active free trade agreements with 30 countries/regions
Full implementation of the upgraded ASEAN-China Free Trade Area
Ongoing infrastructure investments through the Belt and Road Initiative
As the summit continues, analysts watch for concrete steps toward inclusive growth models that bridge the North-South development gap.
