China this week expressed its support for South Africa’s G20 presidency ahead of the global G20 Summit of the bloc.
At the two-day Global South Media and Think Tank Forum at the Houghton Hotel in Johannesburg, Independent Media executive chairman, Dr Iqbal Survé, asked for a more inclusive world order and a strengthening of the partnership between Africa and China.
Survé described the partnership between Africa and China as a beacon of what genuine cooperation can achieve.
He stated that the partnership is grounded in mutual respect, shared goals, and a commitment to building a fairer, more inclusive world order.
“It is this spirit of partnership that must guide our collective efforts in reforming global governance to reflect a more equitable and representative system,” Survé stated.
According to one of South Africa’s leading businessmen, the theme for this year’s forum, “Reforming Global Governance: New Roles and Visions for China-Africa Cooperation”, was both timely and vital.
“We live in a world undergoing profound transformation — politically, economically, and socially.
“The traditional centres of power are evolving, and the Global South is emerging not as a passive observer, but as a formidable and cohesive force for change,” he explained.
Survé said the Global South represents the majority of humanity and is home to immense potential, natural wealth, creativity, and resilience.
Ambassador Wu Peng, the People’s Republic of China’s representative to South Africa, has reaffirmed Beijing’s backing for the forthcoming G20 Summit in South Africa.
Wu, a seasoned Chinese diplomat and former director-general of China’s Department of African Affairs in the Foreign Ministry, expressed this support at the opening of the Global South Media Think Tank High-Level Forum and China-Africa Partnership Conference.
At the event, he celebrated the “remarkable rise of the Global South” as a defining aspect of the current era.
He confirmed China’s strong support for South Africa’s G20 presidency, adding: “We look forward to the summit sending out a strong voice of the Global South, leaving a distinctive African imprint on global governance.”
Wu acknowledged recent news about potential absences, saying: “Of course, we hear that many countries will send their delegations, but a few may not. However, China formally supports South Africa’s G20 presidency.”
Xinhua News Agency editor-in-chief Lu Yansong told delegates that relations between the northern hemisphere and the Global South were changing.
He said the relationship between Africa and China has advanced together and that the Global South was becoming a stabilising force for peace.
According to Yansong, China and its enterprises have created over 1.1 million jobs in the last three years.
Johannesburg Mayor Dada Morero said: “Our collaboration is rooted in shared histories, histories of solidarity, common aspirations for development and a commitment to shaping a more balanced, just and multi-product world order.”
He added that China’s experience in smart city development, green transport, modern housing, digital innovation, and large-scale infrastructure delivery offers valuable insights for cities like Johannesburg that are navigating the complexities of rapid urbanisation, inequality, and climate vulnerability.
“We see enormous potential for expanding cooperation in water security, clean energy transitions, urban safety, and industrial upgrade,” he said.
Morero said solidarity between South Africa and China must emphasise shared prosperity, technology exchange, infrastructure cooperation, and urban resilience.
The forum was co-hosted by Independent Media and its valued partner, Xinhua News Agency, and attended by senior government, media, and academic representatives from several fellow African countries.
