Empowering the Global South: Lessons from Xi Jinping's Leadership and China's Rise

I would like to convey my profound gratitude to my family who inspired and encouraged me during the development of my book; Xi Jinping and The Global South.

It is dedicated to the memory of my late brother, Mashudu Eddie Edward Munyai. I'm also grateful to my colleagues at the Centre for Africa–China Studies (CACS) at the University of Johannesburg. My thanks also goes to the Chinese Embassy for its facilitation of scholarly collaboration with colleagues in China.

This book invites us all to rethink International Relations from the critical perspective of the Global South, a lens that reveals both the challenges and opportunities shaping our shared world.

Understanding International Relations is far more than an academic pursuit; it is essential for grappling with the complex dynamics, from conflicts and economic disparities to environmental crises and rapid technological transformations.

For too long, the global order has been dominated by a limited set of powerful actors, marginalising the voices and interests of Global South countries. This structural imbalance has perpetuated inequalities and artificially limited opportunities for meaningful participation in global governance.

However, this book reflects the ongoing transformation, where Global South nations are increasingly raising their voices, crafting new narratives, asserting agency, and contributing innovative solutions to global challenges.

Why focus on China?

Why examine Xi Jinping’s leadership?

Why place the Global South at the center of analysis?

These inquiries are rooted in my personal journey; from childhood encounters with the conflicting narratives about China such as the story of the Tazara Railway and China’s role during the Second World War, to academic explorations during South Africa’s transformative years post-apartheid.

My first exposure to Asia was during my honours thesis where I explored Malaysia’s affirmative action policies in relation to South Africa. My second pondering about Asia was during my Master’s thesis where I delved into the Afro-Asian solidarity movement where India and China played a critical role at the Banding Conference and the non-aligned movement.

The ANC sent a delegation and issues to do with inequality, isolation, decoloniality in the Global South gained prominence and caught my interest. These experiences sharpened my interest in key international structures like the Group of 77, the BRICS and the broader quest for global transformation.

China’s remarkable rise, from enduring poverty to becoming a global economic and technological powerhouse offers powerful lessons for Africa and the Global South to ponder about. Equally important is China’s sustained advocacy for fair governance, anti-imperialism, equality, and shared prosperity, which resonate deeply with Global South aspirations.

Practical examples bring these themes to life: Investments in Infrastructure, Capacity building and educational scholarships enabling Africans to study advanced fields like artificial intelligence, exemplified by the story of our own Sibusizo Bakana, who pursued studies in China and is now actively contributing to South Africa’s development in the AI sector.

Moreover, China’s leadership in technology provides a strategic blueprint to uplift African economies by enhancing value addition in critical sectors and advancing up the global value chain.

The solidarity China has shown since historic liberation struggles is manifested through educational exchanges, trade expansion, the Belt and Road Initiative, and diplomatic cooperation frameworks such as FOCAC. Yet, this book is not an uncritical appraisal of China; rather, it is a rigorous account into Xi Jinping’s vision for the Global South.

For me, gaining a profound understanding of this vision, alongside China’s Foreign Policy and its Modernisation rooted in a rich civilisation, is indispensable for engaging with China in an informed and unbiased manner.

Such understanding enriches South-South cooperation as well as the civilisational and intellectual exchanges that are shaping the future of global governance. While this book illuminates China and Xi Jinping’s vision, it is the first among many other relevant Global South subjects and actors who equally need to be explored and analyzed to sustain South-South cooperation. India, Russia and other emerging powers should also be highlighted.

Distinct from Africa’s traditional focus on representation or mere presence within global forums, China contributes its unique cultural and intellectual capital to international systems, while challenging the predominantly Western frameworks.

This approach embodies the principle that all civilizations are equal, a principle that should guide Africa and other Global South countries in collaboratively shaping development and governance agendas. 

Historically, organisations like the Non-Aligned Movement and the Group of 77 have been instrumental in advancing decolonisation efforts and amplifying Global South interests.

Currently, Africa faces daunting challenges, the erosion of global leadership and the weakening of multilateral partnerships threaten to reinforce isolation and domination. The recent withdrawal of America from the G-20, apparently in reaction to South Africa’s independent foreign policy, starkly illustrates the persistent struggle for recognition of Africa as an autonomous and strategic global actor.

These dynamics underscore the urgent need for substantive, strategic partnerships that honor African interests rather than sideline them. These realities compel us to critically reassess the foundations of International Relations.

China’s example teaches us that all civilisations matter and encourages unlearning worldviews shaped by external lenses. Instead, we must learn to view global relations through our own civilisational perspectives. It does not mean emulating China’s path blindly but to embrace the unique values of our civilisations, collaborate across cultures, and pursue harmonious, collective development.

The book comprehensively covers topics including the history of China’s role in the Global South, peace and security, efforts to build high-quality China-Africa relations, and Chinese development initiatives. It also explores China’s educational exchanges in Africa as bridges for mutual learning and examines the China-Africa partnership in value addition, critical for pushing Africa higher on the global value chain.

As we move forward, it is paramount to recognise that building a just world is achievable only through inclusive dialogue and partnership, where all voices are respected equally. 

*The opinions expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect the views of the newspaper.

DAILY NEWS