By Nkechi Eze
Wang Yi, China’s Foreign Minister and a member of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, has called for stronger unity and cooperation among countries of the Global South to safeguard their interests and promote a more balanced international order.
Speaking during a press conference on March 8, 2026, Wang said the growing influence of the Global South represents one of the most significant developments shaping the contemporary world. According to him, the economic weight of Global South nations has expanded dramatically over the past four decades, rising from about 24 percent of the global economy to more than 40 percent today.
He described this transformation as a major force driving the emergence of a multipolar global system.
Wang noted that at a time when hegemonism and power politics are increasingly challenging the international order, countries of the Global South must strengthen communication, coordination and solidarity to defend their legitimate rights and pursue independent development.
According to him, nations of the Global South are emerging as an increasingly positive and constructive force in global affairs, capable of shaping international dialogue and promoting stability.
He urged these countries to build stronger confidence and unity in the face of global uncertainty and to work collectively to promote peace, development and mutually beneficial cooperation.
The Chinese foreign minister highlighted several multilateral platforms that Global South countries could use to advance their collective interests, including BRICS, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and the Group of 77 with China. He said these platforms provide important opportunities for developing nations to amplify their voices, strengthen cooperation and promote sustainable development.
Wang also stressed the importance of genuine multilateralism in addressing global challenges. He said countries should support and strengthen the international system centred on the United Nations, emphasising that global issues must be discussed collectively and international rules should be shaped through inclusive consultation among all nations.
He further argued that the Global South requires an open and cooperative international environment to sustain economic growth and development.
According to him, countries should promote inclusive economic globalisation that benefits all nations, support an open global economy and protect the multilateral trading system to ensure shared prosperity.
Reaffirming China’s alignment with developing nations, Wang said the country remains deeply connected to the Global South and is committed to working alongside other developing countries in advancing modernisation and shared prosperity.
He emphasised that China stands ready to deepen cooperation with Global South partners in building what he described as a community with a shared future for humanity.
