In the special edition of CGTN's program Global South Voices, host Mushahid Hussain Sayed engaged with experts from around the world to explore China's role in the Global South, analyzing global economic governance, green development, and governance models.
This episode, a special feature on the 2025 Two Sessions, also featured a keynote address by Nepalese Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli, who shared his insights on cooperation and development among Global South nations.
China's economic model and global influence
Mohammed Saqib, convener of the Center of Geoeconomics for the Global South (COGGS), highlighted China's transition from high-speed growth to high-quality development. He emphasized the country's focus on technological innovation, intelligent manufacturing, and sustainability, as well as financial reforms, increased social security spending, and rising domestic consumption as key pillars of this transformation.
French entrepreneur and sinologist Arnaud Bertrand criticized the Western media's "China collapse" narrative, pointing out that measures like U.S. export controls on semiconductors and 100 percent tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles stem from concerns over China's technological rise. He noted that China is shifting from manufacturing for foreign brands to developing its own, with remarkable success in sectors like electric vehicles and artificial intelligence, unsettling Western competitors.
Jose Ricardo, a professor at the University of São Paulo, emphasized the deepening ties between China and Latin America. He cited the 2024 trade volume between China and Brazil, which reached $157.9 billion, making China the primary trade partner for several Latin American nations. Ricardo also highlighted China's growing role in global governance, particularly through BRICS, as it helps reshape the international economic order to benefit Global South nations.
Governance models: China vs. the West
Saqib compared Western electoral democracy to China's "whole-process people's democracy," arguing that Western systems often succumb to capitalist influence, while China's governance model prioritizes long-term planning and collective decision-making. He criticized the Western tendency to use the "China threat" narrative to mask governance failures at home.
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Arnaud Bertrand added that China's political system emphasizes meritocratic governance, where leaders rise through years of experience from local to national levels. In contrast, he argued, Western democracies increasingly elect populist leaders who struggle with policy consistency.
Ricardo offered further insights on governance, emphasizing that China has never sought to export its unique model of democracy. Instead, he argued, China's system–developed since 1949 and built on a series of five-year plans–focuses on delivering people-centered policies rooted in the principles of non-aggression, non-interference, equality, mutual benefit, and peaceful coexistence. He contended that this approach, which emphasizes long-term national development over short-term populist gains, stands in stark contrast to the often fragmented and elitist nature of Western democracies.
Global climate governance and China's green development
China's leadership in tackling climate change was a major topic of discussion. Saqib condemned Western double standards, pointing out that the Trump administration withdrew from the Paris Agreement and promoted fossil fuel expansion, while China has taken decisive steps toward a green energy transition.
Arnaud Bertrand debunked the Western narrative of "China's green overcapacity," arguing that rather than an excess, the world actually needs more green energy to address the climate crisis. He noted that trade barriers against Chinese green technology reflect Western fears of losing competitiveness rather than genuine economic concerns.
Ricardo highlighted Brazil's collaboration with China on green development, noting that Chinese automakers like BYD and Great Wall Motors have established production facilities in Brazil, accelerating the country's shift toward sustainable energy.
Fred M'membe, president of the Socialist Party of Zambia criticized the hypocrisy of Western nations. He pointed out that while they pressure African nations to cut carbon emissions, they fail to provide the necessary green energy solutions. Instead, most of Africa's green energy infrastructure and assistance are coming from China. He noted that Western rhetoric on sustainability often lacks concrete action, making China a more reliable partner for Africa's green transition.
In his keynote address, Nepalese Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli reaffirmed Nepal's commitment to the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and praised China's role in fostering connectivity and shared prosperity among Global South nations. He recounted his discussions with Chinese leaders, acknowledging China's leadership in tackling climate change and advancing global equity.
Oli emphasized that Nepal, home to the Himalayas, is particularly vulnerable to climate change, experiencing glacial melt and extreme weather disruptions. He commended China's green development efforts, calling them a beacon of hope for nations facing environmental challenges.