Chinese President Xi Jinping unveiled a sweeping series of initiatives aimed at bolstering the Global South during his address at the G20 Summit held in Rio de Janeiro. Xi’s proposals underscore China’s ongoing commitment to reshaping the global development landscape, particularly through enhanced collaboration with emerging economies and developing nations.
In his speech, Xi announced eight key measures, including the enhancement of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) to ensure it delivers “high-quality” infrastructure projects in the developing world. He also emphasized the importance of scientific and technological cooperation, unveiling an “Open Science International Cooperation Initiative” in partnership with Brazil, South Africa, and the African Union. These actions, Xi said, are central to China’s vision of supporting equitable global growth.
The Belt and Road Initiative, a hallmark of China’s foreign policy since its inception in 2013, has channeled billions of dollars into infrastructure projects worldwide. At the summit, Xi highlighted his commitment to making the BRI more impactful by focusing on sustainable and high-quality investments.
“China aims to bring modernization and shared growth to developing countries through a collaborative approach,” Xi stated, adding that China’s investments would prioritize green development and digital connectivity to meet evolving global needs.
This pivot towards high-quality development comes amid increasing scrutiny of BRI projects, with critics pointing to debt sustainability challenges and environmental concerns. Xi’s reaffirmation at the G20 signals China’s intent to address these issues while continuing to strengthen its ties with nations in Asia, Africa, and Latin America.
A significant portion of Xi’s speech centered on innovation. In collaboration with Brazil, South Africa, and the African Union, China has launched the “Open Science International Cooperation Initiative,” aimed at bridging technological gaps in the Global South. The initiative will facilitate the transfer of scientific advancements in areas such as renewable energy, biotechnology, and digital infrastructure.
“By working together, we can ensure that the latest scientific and technological innovations serve all of humanity, especially those who have been historically underserved,” Xi said. The initiative aligns with broader calls to reduce the digital divide and empower developing countries through access to cutting-edge technology.
China further solidified its role as an economic powerhouse for the Global South by pledging to significantly increase imports from developing nations. Xi announced that China’s imports from these countries are projected to surpass $8 trillion by 2030. This commitment reflects China’s strategy of leveraging its vast market to drive growth and development across emerging economies.
“China has always been a member of the Global South, a reliable and long-term partner of developing countries, and an activist in support of global development,” Xi emphasized. The sentiment resonates with China’s broader narrative of positioning itself as a champion of developing nations, contrasting with the often criticized approaches of Western countries.
Xi’s emphasis on the Global South comes amid growing calls from countries like Brazil to elevate the role of developing nations in multilateral forums. Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has been a vocal advocate for the Global South, championing the inclusion of the African Union (AU) as a permanent G20 member.
At this year’s summit, the AU participated fully, marking a significant milestone in the bloc’s efforts to amplify African voices on the global stage. Lula highlighted the parallels between the AU’s inclusion and the role of the European Union in the G20, stressing the importance of balanced representation.
“Just as the European Union represents developed Europe, the African Union now represents the aspirations of an entire continent,” Lula said during his opening remarks.
While the elevation of the Global South within the G20 framework has been a landmark achievement, it has not been without challenges. Richer nations have expressed reservations about the increasing influence of developing countries, citing concerns about shifting global power dynamics. Nonetheless, for China, the rise of the Global South presents a strategic opportunity to deepen its influence.
China has forged close economic and political ties with much of the developing world, particularly in Africa, where it is a leading investor and lender. In recent years, Beijing has focused on promoting a multipolar world order, emphasizing shared governance over the dominance of Western powers.
Xi’s remarks at the G20 underscore this vision, with a clear focus on inclusivity and shared prosperity. “China does not seek to be a single player,” he said, “but rather hopes that 100 flowers will blossom, working hand in hand with the vast number of developing countries to achieve modernization.”
The G20, established in the aftermath of the 2007-08 global financial crisis, was designed to bring emerging economies into the fold of economic and financial decision-making traditionally dominated by the Group of Seven (G7). Today, the G20 accounts for approximately 85% of global GDP, over 75% of global trade, and about two-thirds of the world’s population.
The inclusion of voices from the Global South has significantly shaped the G20’s agenda in recent years, with issues such as climate change, debt relief, and sustainable development taking center stage. Xi’s address and the collaborative initiatives announced in Rio de Janeiro reinforce the notion that the Global South is not just a participant but a driving force within the G20.
Xi’s state visit to Brazil marks a pivotal moment for Sino-Brazilian relations. The two countries have long been economic allies, with China serving as Brazil’s largest trading partner. The upcoming meeting between Xi and Lula in Brasília is expected to further deepen bilateral ties, with discussions likely focusing on trade, investment, and joint development initiatives.
Lula’s administration has placed renewed emphasis on South-South cooperation, and China’s engagement provides a robust foundation for realizing these ambitions. Together, the two nations have the potential to spearhead a broader movement for equitable global development.
As the G20 summit draws to a close, Xi Jinping’s proposals have set a decisive tone for China’s role in the evolving global order. His vision for the Global South—rooted in economic cooperation, technological advancement, and inclusive governance—resonates strongly with the aspirations of developing nations.
Yet, challenges remain. Ensuring the success of initiatives like the “high-quality” Belt and Road Initiative and the Open Science platform will require navigating geopolitical complexities and addressing criticisms around transparency and debt sustainability.
The focus on the Global South also underscores a broader shift in global politics, with emerging economies playing an increasingly assertive role in shaping international norms and policies. For China, this represents both an opportunity and a responsibility as it seeks to balance its ambitions with the diverse needs of its partners.
