China leads the Global South to greater equality and development

Editor's note:  Tang Jie is a researcher at the Chinese Academy of International Trade and Economic Cooperation under the Chinese Ministry of Commerce. The article reflects the author's opinions and not necessarily the views of CGTN.

China describes its claims as strongly committed to a "UN-centered" international system and to "true multilateralism". It has consistently opposed unilateralism, protectionism, and small-circle group politics. China is a staunch advocate of dialogue and peace. It firmly places development at the center of the international agenda and is committed to implementing the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. As a key member of the G77+China, the country's constructive participation in the UN General Assembly promotes the collective interests of the Global South and contributes to the empowerment of developing countries. Its infrastructure and capacity-building efforts in conflict-affected countries (via peace-building rather than just peace-keeping) point to a somewhat broader conception of security. These contributions align with its public diplomacy narrative of being a "responsible major power" and a builder of global public goods.

A staunch advocate of dialogue and peace, China is promoting stable global expectations

Against the backdrop of a complex and volatile international situation, China has consistently prioritized dialogue and consultation as the first option for resolving disputes and opposed unilateralism and hegemonic practices. China is the second-largest contributor to UN peacekeeping operations and the largest contributor of peacekeepers among the permanent members of the Security Council. Chinese diplomats have actively engaged in mediation at the UN platform, advocating for political solutions to hotspot issues, such as emphasizing support for the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) on the Iranian nuclear issue, and contributing to the maintenance of the international nuclear non-proliferation regime. China offers stability based on a culture of harmony. Both logically and practically, this advocacy goes far beyond simply choosing sides. Inclusive dialogue is more conducive to finding the greatest common ground among all parties, injecting stability and certainty into a world fraught with uncertainty.

China advocates for equitable development and reshapes the global governance priorities

China has deeply understood from its own experience that development is the key to resolving all problems. China's commitment to development has not only achieved the miracle of eliminating absolute poverty at home, but has also continuously promoted the centrality of development issues to global cooperation at the international level. China promoted the inclusion of "development" as a core topic at the high-level meeting marking the 75th anniversary of the United Nations. Under the framework of the Global Development Initiative (GDI), China has facilitated the implementation of hundreds of cooperation projects and established the Global Development and South-South Cooperation Fund, specifically to support developing countries in implementing the 2030 Agenda. China has taken concrete actions to reverse the long-standing trend of security and political issues dominating the international agenda, bringing development, a fundamental issue concerning the well-being of hundreds of millions of people, back into the international spotlight. This demonstrates the extension of China's "people-centered" governance philosophy at the international level.

Implementing the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development: from commitment to action

China is not only a signatory to the 2030 Agenda but also its most active implementer. It achieved the 2030 Agenda's poverty reduction goals 10 years ahead of schedule, contributing over 70 percent to global poverty reduction. Furthermore, through platforms such as the Belt and Road Initiative, China collaborates with developing countries in infrastructure construction, agricultural technology promotion, and clean energy projects, directly contributing to their achievement of specific goals such as poverty eradication (SDGs 1), clean water and sanitation (SDGs 6), and affordable clean energy (SDGs 7). China has demonstrated strong execution and pragmatism in translating ambitious agendas into concrete results. It has been proven that the Sustainable Development Goals are not out of reach but can be achieved gradually through solid planning and cooperation, providing other countries with valuable "Chinese experience."

G77+China: Empowering the Global South for a visible future

As an important member of the Group of 77+China, China's constructive participation in the UN General Assembly promotes the collective interests of the Global South, and it contributes to the empowerment of developing countries. This is China's most strategic and far-reaching contribution. It signifies that China, as the largest developing country, has consciously assumed its historic role as a "spokesperson" and "enabler" of the Global South. On key issues such as the UN climate negotiations and World Trade Organization reform, China has closely coordinated with G77 members to jointly safeguard the common interests and special needs of developing countries and oppose any form of green barriers and technological hegemony. China has significantly enhanced the collective bargaining power and international voice of the Global South. It has altered the long-standing balance of power in global governance and pushed the international order toward a more just, equitable, and inclusive one. This model of "solidarity, collaboration, and common development" has set a new paradigm for South-South cooperation.

What makes China's contributions to the UN system, multilateralism, and cooperation in the Global South so remarkable is their systematic, pragmatic, and strategic nature. They are not scattered diplomatic pronouncements, but rather a comprehensive logical chain that organically integrates peace, development, cooperation and empowerment. With its unique wisdom and actions, China is demonstrating how a responsible major power, through genuine multilateralism, can promote the building of a community with a shared future for mankind and bring constructive solutions to the challenges of global governance.