In a significant display of deepening relations, leaders from Global South countries such as Sri Lanka, Dominica, and Nauru have recently visited China. This flurry of diplomatic activity underscores China’s growing influence and commitment to fostering strong partnerships with developing nations.
Earlier this month, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi highlighted the pivotal role of the Global South during a press conference at the annual National People’s Congress. He noted that as a collective of emerging markets and developing countries, the Global South now accounts for over 40 percent of the global economy, profoundly reshaping the international economic landscape.
The principles of independence and self-reliance form the foundation of the Global South, with unity and self-improvement at its core. No longer the “silent majority,” these nations have become a driving force in redefining the international order.
As the world’s largest developing country, China shares common development challenges and historical experiences with other Global South nations. This shared journey positions China as a natural member of the Global South family, aligning its views and demands on international order and global governance with those of its counterparts.
China’s engagement with Global South countries dates back to the Bandung Conference of 1955. At this landmark event, China advocated the principle of “seeking common ground while reserving differences” to enhance communication among developing nations. The conference also saw the successful incorporation of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence into the Ten Principles of Bandung, laying the groundwork for South-South cooperation based on mutual respect and benefit.
Over the years, China has emphasized the importance of leveraging cooperation to address domestic needs, ensuring long-term benefits for all parties involved. In August 2023, during the closing ceremony of the BRICS Business Forum, Chinese President Xi Jinping reaffirmed China’s commitment to the Global South. He stated, “China breathes the same breath with other developing countries and pursues a shared future with them. China has resolutely upheld the common interests of developing countries and worked to increase the representation and voice of emerging markets and developing countries in global affairs.”
China actively participates in international institutions like the United Nations and the World Trade Organization, striving to establish a more equitable global order while safeguarding the collective interests of developing nations. The Global South presents ample opportunities for China to expand international cooperation. The country provides development assistance to over 160 nations, collaborates with more than 150 countries through the Belt and Road Initiative, and promotes South-South cooperation via multilateral platforms such as the China-ASEAN Cooperation Mechanism, the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, the China-LAC Forum, and the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum.
This recent wave of diplomatic engagements signals a promising future for collaboration between China and the Global South, fostering mutual growth and contributing to a more balanced international landscape.
Reference(s):
Global South countries' China visits: Cultivating a bright future
cgtn.com
