Emerging economies rise as China builds bridges

The 2025 G20 Summit, scheduled to be held from November 22 to 23 in Johannesburg, marks the first time the world's premier economic forum convenes on African soil, underscoring the increasing centrality of the Global South, reports CGTN.

This representation is more than just symbolic as it offers a critical opportunity for many African nations to press for real commitments on infrastructure financing and climate funding. 

African leaders have long called for a more equitable global financial system. At this summit, they are pushing for reform of the international monetary architecture and more ambitious mechanisms to channel climate capital toward developing countries. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, whose country holds the G20 rotating presidency, has made "Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability" the guiding themes of this year's G20.These demands reflect a broader shift: the rise of the Global South as a more structured force in multilateral institutions. The African Union's elevation to a permanent G20 member last year institutionalized Africa's collective voice and signaled a re-balancing of global governance. 

China, as a key G20 partner, is playing a bridge-building role at this turning point. Through its Global Development Initiative (GDI), the country seeks to connect developed economies' resources with the needs of emerging nations. The initiative has already yielded concrete results: as of 2025, China has supported over 180 development-oriented projects in more than 60 countries, benefiting tens of millions of people, according to China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

At the same time, China-Africa cooperation continues to deepen. Bilateral trade rose sharply in 2024, reaching $295.6 billion, up 4.8 percent from the previous year, according to data released by China's General Administration of Customs.

China has remained Africa's largest trading partner for more than a decade. Beyond commerce, Chinese companies are investing in sustainable energy and infrastructure across the continent, including solar projects, telecommunications connectivity and long-term capacity-building investments. 

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