By Mr. Khalid Taimur Akram, Executive Director, Pakistan Research Center for a Community with Shared Future (PRCCSF), Islamabad:
The rise of the Global South, characterized by developing nations in Africa, Asia, and Latin America, has become a pivotal force in reshaping the global landscape. With its significant land size, dynamic population, and immense growth potential, the Global South’s development is imperative for global stability and prosperity. China has emerged as a key player in fostering development and cooperation for the Global South through various multilateral frameworks and initiatives.
China’s engagement with the Global South is multifaceted, involving both multilateral and bilateral cooperation. Through platforms like the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), the expansion of BRICS, and the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), China is facilitating dialogue, economic cooperation, and mutual development. The expansion of BRICS reflects the collective rise of the Global South and the shift towards a multipolar world. With BRICS nations now accounting for over 40 percent of the world economy, their influence on global economic policies and governance structures is profound. China, as a leading BRICS member, advocates for reforms in global institutions to better represent the interests of developing nations.
The BRI also stands out as a cornerstone of China’s strategy to bolster South-South cooperation. This massive infrastructure and investment project aims to enhance connectivity and economic integration across Asia, Africa, and Europe. For the Global South, the BRI offers a pathway to address significant infrastructure deficits, fostering local production capabilities and access to global markets. BRI injects new impetus into global growth, creating opportunities for sustainable development and international cooperation. However, for the Global South, the BRI aligns closely with the principles of South-South cooperation, offering an opportunity for collaboration, mutual benefit, and shared prosperity.
Countries of the Global South, upholding the principle of “planning together, building together, and benefiting together,” have advanced Belt and Road cooperation to a new stage of high-quality development, thus injecting new impetus into global growth, creating new opportunities for global development, and building a platform for international cooperation.
China promotes a globalization model that is also representative of the Global South’s progress to foster trade and development among all countries. Initiatives like the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, and the Global Civilization Initiative reflect China’s dedication to inclusive development and global peace.
Economic Contributions and South-South Cooperation: The contributions China has made to the development of “the South” countries and South-South cooperation are significant. In fact, China has made considerable contributions to South-South cooperation in the past and present and will continue to make efforts in the future.
China’s development philosophy emphasizes win-win cooperation, aiming to uplift both its own economy and those of its partners in the Global South. China advocates for a more inclusive approach that prioritizes mutual benefits and respects national sovereignty.
China has invested significantly in the country’s infrastructure, education, healthcare, and technology, contributing to its modernization efforts. China is exploring common solutions to major challenges facing the Global South and the world. China looks forward to continuing to promote unity and cooperation among developing countries to augment the strength of the South and to jointly create a shining South moment in global governance.
China has unique leverage for bolstering South-South cooperation through both bilateral and multilateral mechanisms. Chinese economic development model has been the major source of attraction for the Global South. Similarly, the Global South tends to be generally receptive to China’s global initiatives and values the long-standing historical connections forged over decades with China. China is assisting other developing nations in creating local products and accessing both Chinese and global markets.
China has always adhered to the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, which are mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, mutual non-aggression, non-interference in each other’s internal affairs, equality and mutual benefit, and peaceful coexistence. China and other Global South countries share a similar history, a common position as developing countries, and common interests in pursuing development, making them natural allies in promoting the reform and construction of the global governance system. China, which is committed to building a community with a shared future for mankind, stands firmly alongside other developing countries increase their representation and role in global governance.
Conclusion: China’s active role in the development of the Global South is reshaping global dynamics, fostering economic growth, and promoting a more inclusive international order. Through initiatives like the BRI, multilateral platforms such as BRICS, and its steadfast commitment to South-South cooperation, China is helping to address the unique challenges faced by developing countries by emphasizing mutual respect, win-win cooperation, and tailored development paths. As the Global South continues to rise, China’s partnership will be crucial in ensuring a more equitable and prosperous global future.
