On March 22, 2024, the Institute of International Strategic Studies (IISS), Peking University (PKU) convened the seminar titled “ Global South and Great Power Game: How China Can Improve and Develop Relations with Developing Countries” and the 17th session of the North Pavilion Salon.

Experts and scholars from various universities and research institutions including the China Institute of International Studies, the Research Institute of the Ministry of Commerce, the Foreign Cooperation and Exchange Center of the Ministry of Ecology and Environment, the Academy of Contemporary China and World Studies of China Foreign Languages Publishing Administration, the Center for International Knowledge and Development, the China Foreign Affairs University, Peking University, Fudan University, and Beijing Language and Culture University were invited to the meeting for in-depth discussions. Associate Professor Guan Guihai, Vice President of IISS, attended the meeting and delivered a speech.

The “North Pavilion Salon” aims at promoting deepened dialogue between theoretical research and policy studies, providing a platform for exchange of ideas among young and middle-aged scholars. The experts focused on two main topics: the overall situation of the Global South as well as the Global South and Chinese diplomacy. Discussions centered around the perception of concept of the Global South, and Global South countries, challenges and opportunities in South-South cooperation and China's international development cooperation, as well as the "view of China" in Global South countries, involving specific areas such as climate cooperation, China-Africa relations, and U.S. foreign policy. Experts noted that against the backdrop of great power competition, the concept of the "Global South" has resurfaced, with an increased awareness of autonomy among Global South countries. However, the Global South is not a physical presence in international politics, and internal divergences also need attention. Experts believe that China should actively consolidate and develop relations with developing countries, enhance its understanding of the interests and demands of Global South countries, and on this basis refine its foreign strategy to encourage the international community to pay more attention to development issues.

Editor: Li Fangqi     Photography: Zheng Peijie