Ma Xiaojun, research fellow at the Institute of Global Governance and Development at Renmin University of China Photo: GT

Over the past year, China has played a proactive and practical role in supporting the development of Global South, Ma Xiaojun, a research fellow at the Institute of Global Governance and Development at Renmin University of China, said at the Global Times Annual Conference 2025, themed "Moving forward in Partnership: Resonance of Values between China and the World," on Saturday.

Ma’s statement was made during the session on "The Resurgence of the Awakening of the Global South: Mutual Learning and Resonance" of the conference, where he highlighted that 2024 as a significant year for Global South cooperation, noting its growing strategic impact on multilateral and bilateral platforms. 

Ma pointed out that China's "Global South diplomacy" is taking shape in several key ways: First, China increasingly identifies as part of the Global South, with the term gaining prominence in its diplomatic discourse. Second, China's head-of-state diplomacy is steering and guiding the Global South diplomatic framework, promoting unity among Global South countries. Third, over the past year, China has become an active supporter and practitioner of development for the Global South, with a large number of high-quality projects being implemented globally, bringing confidence and hope to Global South countries.

The Global South brings together a large number of regional and medium-sized powers, Ma noted. In a world undergoing changes unseen in a century, China should focus its diplomacy on these nations. 

Furthermore, within the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative or in a broader context, it is essential to strengthen the implementation of China's major policies aimed at the people and development of the Global South "to achieve tangible results,” Ma said.

Global Times