Column: China's diplomacy with Global South -- respect and new opportunity for development

by Juvenal Quicassa

In an era when the global geopolitical landscape is marked by various types of conflicts between states, sanctions, and exclusionary rhetoric among international actors, Chinese diplomacy has increasingly emerged as a more tangible alternative for countries of the Global South.

From a constructivist perspective, China's external engagement is a clear commitment to multilateralism, grounded primarily in the pillars that underpin peaceful relations among states, namely respect for international law and the affirmation of state sovereignty. Although these principles have been progressively undermined by some Western powers, they remain fundamental for nations that have historically been marginalized within the international system.

Undeniably, like any major country, the Chinese government pursues strategic interests within the international structure. Nevertheless, China has pursued its strategic objectives without imposing political models or interfering in internal affairs, opting instead for cooperation, development assistance, and recognition of diverse national development paths, in line with international norms.

For many African, Latin American and Asian countries, the growing volume of trade and the increasing preference for commercial exchanges with China represent a new chapter that departs from past practices. For decades, international assistance to these countries was closely tied to political conditionalities and imposed programs, resulting in a significant loss of autonomy in decision-making processes. In contrast, Chinese diplomacy has consistently emphasized the principle of sovereign equality, asserting that each state should determine its own development model.

This approach has yielded innovative outcomes for Global South countries, enabling them to negotiate infrastructure, energy, transport and industrialization projects on more balanced terms, aligned with genuine needs for economic growth and regional integration. Chinese diplomacy has demonstrated that development is no longer an abstract discourse but rather a concrete instrument for social transformation.

As evidence of this dynamic, bilateral trade between China and African countries reached approximately 295 billion U.S. dollars in 2024, firmly establishing China as Africa's largest trading partner.

Another aspect worthy of reflection is the vision advanced by China. Through its policy statements and positions expressed at international forums, China has consistently advocated a more just, inclusive and multipolar international order, one in which development is understood as a right rather than a privilege reserved for a limited group of states.

By strengthening platforms such as BRICS and the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), China has significantly contributed to amplifying the political voice of the Global South within an international arena long governed by Western-dominated rules. These initiatives can be viewed as diplomatic instruments shaping a global order that seeks to build consensus, promote dialogue and reduce the confrontational logic that has long dominated global politics.

China's foreign policy, particularly its emphasis on development as a core agenda within multilateral global institutions, rests on a simple yet often overlooked principle: there can be no peace without development. By investing in infrastructure and connectivity networks, China demonstrates a concrete commitment to reducing structural inequalities that fuel political instability, social conflict, and economic crises across the Global South.

Therefore, the construction of roads, ports, railways and power plants should not be viewed merely as physical projects, but as instruments of integration that enhance territorial connectivity, strengthen state capacity and create opportunities for millions of people. For the Global South, such investments represent a tangible pathway toward sustainable growth and economic autonomy.

At a time when international law is frequently applied selectively, Chinese diplomacy has remained relatively consistent in defending internationally-enshrined principles. State sovereignty and non-interference must be respected, regardless of a country's political or economic weight. Contemporary international media narratives often reveal a reality in which major powers disregard international law, impose sanctions and authorize unilateral interventions against smaller states based on asymmetries of power.

China's stance, expressed both in words and deeds, resonates strongly with many Global South nations that view China as a partner willing to cooperate without interfering in domestic choices. This represents a significant diplomatic distinction within an international system still marked by profound power imbalances.

As a member of the Global South, China's engagement with other Global South countries should not be interpreted as submission or dependency of China's partners, as often portrayed by Western media, but rather as a strategic opportunity. It is therefore incumbent upon partner countries to negotiate responsibly, ensure transparency, and guarantee that projects genuinely contribute to national development.

If managed effectively, relations with China can strengthen economies, expand political maneuverability and contribute to a more balanced international order. In a world undergoing profound transformation, Chinese diplomacy emerges not as an inevitable threat but as a concrete possibility for cooperation grounded in respect, development, and multilateralism.

Editor's note: Juvenal Quicassa is an international relations expert at the University of Belas of Angola

The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the positions of Xinhua News Agency.