Tang Xiaoyang, professor in the Department of International Relations at Tsinghua University. Photo: GT

Global South countries are no longer marginalized "poor partners," but have emerged as major forces in global development and reliable partners for China, Tang Xiaoyang, a professor in the Department of International Relations at Tsinghua University, spoke during a session on "The Resurgence of the Awakening of the Global South: Mutual Learning and Resonance" of the Global Times Annual Conference 2025, themed "Moving forward in Partnership: Resonance of Values between China and the World," held in Beijing on Saturday. 

The scholar emphasized that in the past two years, the rise of Global South countries marks a turning point in world history. According to statistical data, the combined GDP of the original five BRICS nations, when calculated based on purchasing power parity, exceeded that of the Group of Seven (G7). 

In 2023, China's total exports to ASEAN, Africa, BRICS nations, and Central Asian countries surpassed its exports to traditional developed nations such as the US, Japan and in Europe. This indicates that Global South countries have transitioned from being marginalized "poor partners" to becoming major players in global development and reliable partners for China.

Looking ahead to 2025, Tang believes that the development trajectory of Global South countries will primarily focus on economic growth while also emphasizing political and cultural advancement. 

He pointed out that the reason Global South countries have come to be recognized as such is due to the tension between promoting globalization and maintaining an autonomous political concept. This autonomy underscores the importance of preserving independence and self-determination within global connections, thereby achieving genuine self-development against the backdrop of globalization.

Tang emphasized that China's economy not only serves as a model for development experiences globally, but also acts as a stabilizer and engine for the world economy. The new task lies in how China can drive the development of Global South countries and foster shared ideals amid the political diversification within the Global South.