China Advocates Unity at Historic G20 Summit in Africa, Aiming for Greater Global Inclusivity
On November 22 and 23, 2025, Johannesburg hosted the inaugural G20 summit on the African continent, marking a significant milestone in global governance. For the first time since its establishment, the G20 convened its leaders in Africa, showcasing a shift towards greater inclusion of emerging economies in global decision-making processes.
Chinese Premier Li Qiang delivered a notable speech at the summit's opening session, echoing President Xi Jinping's sentiment expressed during the 17th G20 summit: "Solidarity is strength, and division leads to nothing." In a world grappling with geopolitical tensions and economic disparities, he underscored the necessity for unity among G20 members. Li urged the group to amplify the voices of developing countries and work towards a more equitable and open global economic order.
The summit illustrated China’s commitment to empower the Global South within the multilateral system. Premier Li stated, "Regardless of how the international situation evolves, China will always hold the Global South close to its heart and keep its roots grounded in the Global South." This promise is a testament to the significant steps taken by China under Xi’s leadership to protect the interests of developing nations, helping them gain representation and voice in international governance.
Significantly, China had initiated the inclusion of the African Union in the G20 during the 2022 summit in Bali, Indonesia. This initiative enabled Africa to occupy a permanent seat at the negotiation table rather than remaining a peripheral voice. The G20 summit in Africa exemplifies China's ongoing efforts to foster inclusivity in global forums.
Beyond G20 initiatives, China has broadened its engagement with developing countries through various platforms and projects. From ten partnership programs in Africa to five major projects in Latin America, China has also established cooperation frameworks with Arab nations and Pacific island states, all aimed at enhancing the agency of developing nations in global affairs.
In addressing challenges like unilateralism and protectionism, Xi asserts that the answer lies in a genuine commitment to multilateralism. In various facets of international cooperation, Xi reiterated China’s foundational policy of openness and the real steps taken to develop a truly open world economy. Over recent years, China has actively endorsed the expansion of global free trade agreements.
As of January 2025, China had signed 23 free trade agreements with 30 countries and regions, illustrating its commitment to economic integration. Regionally, China has promoted economic cooperation through an expanding network of free trade agreements, successfully concluding an updated pact with ASEAN and implementing the Comprehensive Regional Economic Partnership (RCEP). Its applications to join broader mechanisms such as the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership and the Digital Economy Partnership Agreement signal a commitment to higher standards and interconnected markets.
Infrastructure and investments form another cornerstone of China’s approach to promoting openness. Through the Belt and Road Initiative and institutions such as the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank and the New Development Bank, Beijing is supporting cross-border connectivity, which many developing nations view as a gateway to developmental opportunities and trade.
In conclusion, the G20 summit in Africa stands as a pivotal moment in global diplomacy where nations are called to foster unity over division. Chinese efforts to empower the Global South and build a more inclusive international framework reflect an important shift in the narrative of global governance. The ongoing commitment of member nations to work collaboratively for mutual benefit will be critical in shaping a more equitable future for all countries involved.
Chinese Premier Li Qiang delivered a notable speech at the summit's opening session, echoing President Xi Jinping's sentiment expressed during the 17th G20 summit: "Solidarity is strength, and division leads to nothing." In a world grappling with geopolitical tensions and economic disparities, he underscored the necessity for unity among G20 members. Li urged the group to amplify the voices of developing countries and work towards a more equitable and open global economic order.
The summit illustrated China’s commitment to empower the Global South within the multilateral system. Premier Li stated, "Regardless of how the international situation evolves, China will always hold the Global South close to its heart and keep its roots grounded in the Global South." This promise is a testament to the significant steps taken by China under Xi’s leadership to protect the interests of developing nations, helping them gain representation and voice in international governance.
Significantly, China had initiated the inclusion of the African Union in the G20 during the 2022 summit in Bali, Indonesia. This initiative enabled Africa to occupy a permanent seat at the negotiation table rather than remaining a peripheral voice. The G20 summit in Africa exemplifies China's ongoing efforts to foster inclusivity in global forums.
Beyond G20 initiatives, China has broadened its engagement with developing countries through various platforms and projects. From ten partnership programs in Africa to five major projects in Latin America, China has also established cooperation frameworks with Arab nations and Pacific island states, all aimed at enhancing the agency of developing nations in global affairs.
In addressing challenges like unilateralism and protectionism, Xi asserts that the answer lies in a genuine commitment to multilateralism. In various facets of international cooperation, Xi reiterated China’s foundational policy of openness and the real steps taken to develop a truly open world economy. Over recent years, China has actively endorsed the expansion of global free trade agreements.
As of January 2025, China had signed 23 free trade agreements with 30 countries and regions, illustrating its commitment to economic integration. Regionally, China has promoted economic cooperation through an expanding network of free trade agreements, successfully concluding an updated pact with ASEAN and implementing the Comprehensive Regional Economic Partnership (RCEP). Its applications to join broader mechanisms such as the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership and the Digital Economy Partnership Agreement signal a commitment to higher standards and interconnected markets.
Infrastructure and investments form another cornerstone of China’s approach to promoting openness. Through the Belt and Road Initiative and institutions such as the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank and the New Development Bank, Beijing is supporting cross-border connectivity, which many developing nations view as a gateway to developmental opportunities and trade.
In conclusion, the G20 summit in Africa stands as a pivotal moment in global diplomacy where nations are called to foster unity over division. Chinese efforts to empower the Global South and build a more inclusive international framework reflect an important shift in the narrative of global governance. The ongoing commitment of member nations to work collaboratively for mutual benefit will be critical in shaping a more equitable future for all countries involved.
Topics Policy & Public Interest）
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