China’s new Foreign Minister (FM) Wang Yi introduced a four-point proposal on Tuesday to strengthen cooperation among countries of the Global South, on the sidelines of the BRICS National Security Advisers meeting in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Wang first noted that “independence is the defining political feature of the Global South, development and revitalization are the historical mission of the Global South, and fairness and justice are the common proposition of the Global South.”
Against this backdrop, he said that as “responsible” members of the “Global South family,” all countries must “work together to shoulder their responsibility for world peace and common development.”
On July 25, Director of the Office of the CPC Central Commission for Foreign Affairs Wang Yi made remarks at the 13th Meeting of BRICS National Security Advisers and High Representatives on National Security in Johannesburg. https://t.co/jFJjTf8X7w pic.twitter.com/mAJFnTzZK2
— Embassy of The People's Republic of China in India (@China_Amb_India) July 26, 2023
He then introduced his 4-point proposal, which includes:
- Elimination of conflicts and joint peacebuilding. Wang highlighted the importance of common and sustainable security architecture, respecting the legitimate security concerns of all countries, and pursuing political settlement of “hotspot issues.”
- Promoting development: The FM spoke of the need to place development at the centre of the international agenda and safeguard the legitimate development rights of developing countries. He also called on developed countries to “earnestly honour their aid commitments.”
- Be open and inclusive for common progress: “It is necessary to carry forward the common values of humanity, advocate respect for the diversity of civilizations, and reject drawing ideological lines and bloc confrontation,” Wang said. He encouraged respecting “the social system chosen by the people of each country” and enhancing “exchanges and mutual learning on state governance.”
- Discussing cooperation: Wang noted the importance of opposing hegemonism and power politics, and supporting the UN’s role in international affairs. He called for increased efforts to broaden “the say and representation of the Global South countries in the new round of reforms of the global governance system.”
🇨🇳is an ex-officio member of the "Global South"&will always be a member of the big family of developing countries, Wang Yi said. @BRICS #SouthAfrica
— Jia Guide贾桂德 (@AmbJiaGuide) July 26, 2023
He also put forward a 4-point proposal on strengthening #GlobalSouth cooperation. pic.twitter.com/sCbdzMJzhJ
In his closing remarks, Wang stressed that China, a “natural member of the Global South,” will “always be a member of the big family of developing countries.”
He also reaffirmed China’s willingness to work with emerging markets and developing countries to help promote the implementation of the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, and the Global Civilization Initiative.