#China #Johannesburg #Global Unity #G20 Summit

The G20 Summit in Africa: A New Era for Global Governance

The recent G20 summit held in Johannesburg, South Africa marks a significant milestone as it is the first summit conducted on the African continent. This historic event took place from November 22 to 23, 2025, and has set the stage for a transformative dialogue on global governance, particularly emphasizing the voices of developing nations. China has taken a firm stance at this summit, urging for unity rather than division in addressing global challenges.

Chinese Premier Li Qiang opened the summit with a powerful reference to President Xi Jinping's previous remarks at the G20 summits, stating, "Solidarity is strength, division leads to nowhere." His words resonate strongly in today’s world, which is fraught with geopolitical tension, fragile economies, and widening development gaps. Li called upon G20 members to amplify the voices of developing countries and work towards establishing a fairer and more inclusive global economic order.

Strengthening the Voice of Developing Nations

For China, hosting this summit in Africa highlights the critical importance of bolstering the voice of the Global South within the international multilateral system. President Xi reaffirmed, "Regardless of how international conditions evolve, we will always keep the Global South at the heart of our policies and maintain our roots in this context." Under his leadership, China has consistently aimed to support emerging economies by enhancing their representation in international governance and advocating for a more equitable global order.

In 2022, during the G20 summit in Bali, China championed the inclusion of the African Union (AU) as a permanent member of the G20, ensuring that Africa now has a stakeholder role rather than merely a peripheral voice.

China's efforts extend beyond the G20. The nation has supported the historic expansion of the BRICS group, transforming it into a platform that promises greater cooperation among emerging markets. Additionally, China's promotion of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization stands as another testament to its commitment to enhance regional cooperation across Eurasia.

A Commitment to an Open World Economy

As unilateralism and protectionism surge globally, China's approach to engaging with the international community is rooted in multilateralism. President Xi has repeatedly articulated that China adheres to a fundamental policy of openness and has taken concrete actions to foster an open world economy.

Over the years, China has actively promoted global free trade, having signed 23 free trade agreements with 30 countries and regions by January 2025. Regionally, it has expanded economic integration through a comprehensive network of trade pacts, including a revamped agreement with ASEAN and the establishment of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP). China's application for entry into wider frameworks like the CPTPP (Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership) and the Digital Economy Partnership Agreement reflect its commitment to integrating higher standards and more interconnected markets.

Infrastructure and investment are further pillars in China's quest for openness. Through initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative and institutions such as the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank and the New Development Bank, Beijing aims to facilitate cross-border connectivity, which many developing nations view as essential for their growth and trade.

Conclusion

As the discussions from the G20 summit in Africa unfold, the focus on unity, inclusivity, and the empowerment of developing nations represents a pivotal moment in global governance. China's advocacy for a collaborative approach emphasizes the need to address shared challenges through a unified front. Looking forward, the global community must heed these calls for solidarity in order to navigate the complexities of the modern world and foster a truly collaborative international environment.