China and the Rising Global South

The Global South is a term that covers a broad swath of developing countries and emerging economies in Africa, Asia, Latin America, and Oceania. It is a grouping of over 130 heterogenous countries that is pushing to enhance its voice in global decision making.

China, which self-identifies as a leader of the developing world, has a long history of engaging with the developing world. Under Xi Jinping, Beijing has deepened its ties with Global South countries through economic investment, diplomatic engagement, and security cooperation. Meanwhile, developed countries from the wealthier and more industrialized Global North are stepping up efforts to counter Chinese influence and win support from Global South countries.

What are China’s interests in the Global South? What are the key strategies and tactics that Beijing utilizes to influence and engage with those countries? How have countries in the Global South responded to China’s influence? And how will intensified Sino-American rivalry impact developing countries in the future?

To discuss these issues, host Bonnie Glaser is joined by Mr. Masaaki Yatsuzuka, Senior Research Fellow at the China Division of the Regional Studies Department at the National Institute for Defense Studies in Japan (NIDS). He is the co-author of the recently published report titled “The Rising Global South and China.”

Episode Highlights

[01:55] Resurgent Interest in the Global South

[04:28] Engaging Developing Countries

[06:51] Economic Tools and Mechanisms to Exert Influence

[08:55] Motivation for Expanding Military Presence

[12:33] Perceptions of China in the Global Sout

[15:07] Why does China’s involvement in the Global South matter?

[17:39] US-China Competition Impacting the Global South

[19:00] India, Brazil, and Other Rising Powers

[20:35] Tokyo’s Concerns Over China’s Influence

[22:41] Response to Increased Attention Paid to Developing Countries

[24:37] China’s Reaction to the Trump Administration