China ‘plays to unifying theme among Global South’: it’s not America

Top diplomat drew attention to rising tension over global governance between China and the US during press conference, analyst says

Wang Yi’s messaging seen as clearly aimed at countering the US-led West, but observer says key questions remain unanswered

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The foreign minister said China’s diplomatic priorities were to “maintain stable relations with major powers, join hands with its neighbouring countries for progress, and strive for revitalisation with the Global South”. Photo: Bloomberg

Published: 6:01am, 8 Mar 2024

China has again sought to portray itself as a responsible world power in its rivalry with the United States, and pledged to champion the Global South.

The latest effort came from top diplomat Wang Yi during a carefully choreographed press conference on the sidelines of the National People’s Congress on Thursday.

He said Beijing’s diplomatic priorities this year were to “maintain stable relations with major powers, join hands with its neighbouring countries for progress, and strive for revitalisation with the Global South”.

“China will strive to provide more Chinese solutions to both regional hotspots and global issues, creating new opportunities for the world with its own development,” he said.

Wang addressed a wide range of issues, mostly concerning relations with major powers, but observers said a key message was how China sees its future role in a world increasingly dominated by its rivalry with the US.

The foreign minister said certain powers should not monopolise international affairs and countries should not be categorised according to their so-called strength. He said China was for an “equal and orderly” multipolar world and inclusive economic globalisation that benefits all.