China's vision for the Global South: Forging a shared future

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The Global South, a concept rich in diversity and influence, contributes over 40 percent of the world's Gross Domestic Product and is home to more than 85 percent of the global population. The 2024 report by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development highlights its growing economic impact, with South-South trade surging from $2.3 trillion in 2007 to $5.6 trillion in 2023, cementing its role as a key driver of global commerce.

On the other hand, climate change, energy shortages and geopolitical pressures exacerbate the situation, straining already vulnerable regions. For example, in 2022, the global population without access to electricity increased by 10 million, with 80 percent residing in Sub-Saharan Africa. Tackling these multifaceted challenges demands a cohesive and collaborative approach, yet the path ahead is fraught with challenges.

A partnership for progress

In this context, as the largest developing country, China is a natural member of the Global South, fostering transformative change through strategic investments, collaborative initiatives and a shared commitment to sustainable progress. The Karot hydropower project in Pakistan, which generated over 3.1 million megawatt-hours (MWh) of clean energy in 2023 and benefited 5 million residents, exemplifies this commitment.

Similarly, the Africa Solar Belt program is projected to provide solar energy to 50,000 households by 2027, while Kenya's 50MW solar plant has already transformed lives by supplying clean energy to 70,000 households, positively impacting over 350,000 people.

Achieving sustainable solutions to these complex challenges necessitates robust global cooperation, with institutions like the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) playing a pivotal role. For instance, AIIB's commitment to supporting Azerbaijan aims to reduce annual carbon dioxide emissions by 757,000 metric tons, underscoring the transformative potential of multilateral partnerships in addressing global challenges.

Beyond the energy sector, China has established a vast network of strategic alliances through the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). This sprawling program has revitalized critical trade routes, strengthened regional connectivity and advanced infrastructure across the Global South. Among its flagship projects is the Gwadar Port in Pakistan, set to become a global trade hub with a projected cargo capacity of 400 million tons annually by 2045. Similarly, the Port of Piraeus in Greece, supported by BRI investments, has become a crucial link in the Europe-Asia trade network. These examples illustrate China's broader efforts to bolster commerce, cultural exchange and inclusive development through this far-reaching initiative.

China's investments have also given rise to groundbreaking success stories, further cementing its role in advancing the Global South. A case in point is the African Continental Free Trade Area, expected to boost Africa's GDP by $450 billion by 2035 and lift over 30 million people out of extreme poverty. China's engagement also extends to other impactful projects, such as the Addis Ababa-Djibouti Railway and the Konza Business Park in Kenya, the latter emerging as a thriving regional tech hub.

Green growth

China's contributions go beyond economic development, as seen in its role in Africa's "Great Green Wall" initiative. This project aims to restore 100 million hectares of degraded land and capture about 250 million tons of carbon dioxide, creating 10 million jobs by 2030. This underscores China's commitment to the Global South, founded on shared goals of prosperity, sustainability and mutual growth.

China's green initiatives, both domestically and internationally, stand as a beacon of inspiration for the global community. Shenzhen, a trailblazing city in China, has achieved 100 percent electrification of its public bus fleet since 2017, with over 16,300 electric buses in operation, making it the world's largest electric bus fleet. The city has also transitioned its taxis to electric vehicles and achieved an impressive 77.4 percent new energy vehicle penetration rate in new car sales, exemplifying the potential of sustainable urban development within China.

Lessons from the Silk Road

This forward-thinking approach resonates with the idea of a "community of a shared future," a core principle deeply rooted in Chinese philosophical thought. It prioritizes coexistence and collaboration over confrontation and conflict, offering an alternative to the divisive "zero-sum" approach often seen in international relations. This philosophy is not merely a modern political framework but a reflection of an ancient, profound understanding of global interconnectedness.

Historically, the spirit of shared progress has long been a defining feature of global exchange, as seen through the ancient Silk Road. It facilitated the free flow of culture, ideas and commerce between distant civilizations, laying the groundwork for collaborative development.

One notable legacy is that of Ibn Sina, also known as Avicenna, who was born in what is now Uzbekistan. His pioneering work, The Canon of Medicine, traveled along the Silk Road and was translated into Latin and other European languages. It became a foundational text in European universities for over 500 years, underscoring the enduring power of intellectual collaboration facilitated by this ancient trade route, which united diverse cultures in pursuit of shared knowledge and progress.

This legacy of cross-cultural exchange continues to thrive even today through modern initiatives such as the Confucius Institutes and the Belt and Road Scholarship program, which has awarded over 50,000 scholarships to students from the Global South.

The recipe to rise

As the narrative of the Global South evolves, its countries increasingly showcase their resilience, innovation and collaboration. The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor and platforms like Jumia in Africa illustrate how China's engagement empowers local economies through job creation and community development. Furthermore, China's media initiatives highlight values such as self-reliance and community empowerment, positioning the Global South as a key player in global progress and challenging traditionally dominant Western discourse.

In summation, the Global South is navigating a defining era, marked by resilience and innovation. By fostering partnerships and championing sustainable progress, China continues to play an integral role in shaping a future led by inclusivity and shared success.

Yasir Masood (PhD) is a Pakistani political commentator, broadcast journalist and strategic communication expert who frequently offers insights on international relations for global media and think tanks.

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