China's role in the Global South: economics, democracy and green growth

The Global South has an increasingly strong voice on the international stage. One of these voices is the regular special editions of Global South Voices on CGTN. In the latest episode, which focuses on China's upcoming Two Sessions (Two Sessions 2025), host Mushahid Hussain Sayed led a discussion with experts from around the world on China's role in the Global South. The main topics were global economic governance, sustainable development and different models of governance.

China's economic model and its global influence

Mohammed Saqib, Coordinator of the Center for the Geoeconomics of the Global South (COGGS), highlighted the transformation of China's economy from an era of high-speed growth to a phase of high-quality development. The key pillars of this change are technological innovation, smart manufacturing, sustainability, financial reforms, higher social spending and rising domestic consumption.

French businessman and sinologist Arnaud Bertrand criticized the Western narrative of China's "imminent collapse", which he said ignores reality. He pointed out that measures such as US export controls on semiconductors or 100% tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles are a result of Western concerns about China's growing technological dominance. He stressed that China is moving away from manufacturing for foreign brands and is increasingly focusing on building its own globally competitive businesses - especially in the fields of electromobility and artificial intelligence.

Professor Jose Ricardo from the University of São Paulo highlighted the deepening economic ties between China and Latin America. He recalled that the trade turnover between China and Brazil reached 157.9 billion dollars in 2024, making China the main trading partner of several Latin American countries. Ricardo also highlighted China's role in reshaping the global economic architecture, especially through BRICS, which brings new opportunities for developing countries.
Models of governance: China vs. the West

Saqib compared Western electoral democracy with the Chinese model of "whole-of-people democracy", criticising the tendency of Western systems to succumb to the influence of capital and short-term populist pressures. He said the Chinese model relies on long-term planning and collective decision-making, which contributes to greater stability.

Arnaud Bertrand added that the Chinese political system is based on the principle of meritocracy, where leaders follow a hierarchy based on years of experience at the local and national level. In contrast, he said, there is a growing trend of populism in Western democracies, leading to unstable political strategies and a lack of long-term vision.

Jose Ricardo stressed that China has never sought to export its model of democracy. On the contrary, its system, developed since 1949 and based on five-year plans, focuses on people-centred policies, emphasising the principles of non-aggression, non-interference, equality and mutual benefit. In contrast, Western democracies are often subject to the short-term interests of elites, which Ricardo argues undermines their effectiveness.

Global climate policy and China's approach to green development

China has a key role to play in the fight against climate change, which was one of the main topics of discussion. Saqib criticized Western double standards, noting that while the Trump administration has pulled out of the Paris Agreement and promoted fossil fuels, China is actively investing in a green transition.

Arnaud Bertrand refuted Western fears about the alleged "overcapacity of Chinese green technologies", stressing that the global fight against the climate crisis needs more renewable energy, not less. He said the introduction of trade barriers against Chinese solar panels or electric cars is not motivated by economic balance, but by Western fears of losing technological dominance.

Jose Ricardo drew attention to the cooperation between Brazil and China in the field of green economy. He pointed out that Chinese car companies such as BYD and Great Wall Motors have already opened production plants in Brazil, accelerating the region's transition to sustainable mobility.
Fred M'membe, chairman of the Socialist Party of Zambia, accused the West of hypocrisy in its approach to Africa. While Western countries are pushing African countries to reduce emissions, they are not providing them with adequate technology or investment in green energy. M'membe underlined that China was now a key partner for African countries in the field of renewable energy and infrastructure.
Nepal PM: China as a partner for the development of the Global South

Prime Minister of Nepal K. P. Sharma Oland appreciated the benefits of Nepal's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and China's role in promoting connectivity and shared prosperity among countries of the Global South. He recalled China's vital role in combating climate change and promoting global justice. Oli stressed that Nepal, home to the Himalayas, is particularly vulnerable to climate change as it experiences glacier melt and extreme weather disturbances. He said China's green development efforts are a beacon of hope for nations facing environmental challenges.

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