The most significant takeaway from the September G20 Summit in New Delhi was the emergence of the Global South as a key political voice in a bitterly divided world.

Judging from a lengthy slate of indicators, discounting China’s position in the world economy over a momentary economic slowdown would be a mistake. Failing to understand China’s recent progress and future ambitions could lead the United States to squander its own long-term advantages.

First used by American political activist Carl Oglesby during the Vietnam War era, the concept expanded rapidly in academic circles in the United States and Europe. The U.S. and others have attempted to exclude China from the list.

China welcomed the addition of the African Union as a full member — a move that will further elevate the representation and voice of the Global South in international governance and contribute to further global democratization. This is precisely what China has been striving for.

With its expanded membership, the BRICS group has raised expectations for the Global South. It will promote democracy in international relations and ultimately achieve the goal of rebalancing the global power structure.

China’s influence in developing countries is crucial to its diplomacy. In the tumultuous China-U.S. rivalry, these relationships are crucial. China should promote quality and efficiency as it cooperates with other developing nations to bolster the overall interests of the Global South.

In the late 70s of the last century I was appointed as a member of the Egyptian delegation to the United Nations in Geneva dealing with international security issues and disarmament at the Palais des Nation. A young Egyptian diplomat, I was quickly startled when i witnessed both the Soviet and American delegates vehemently arguing and promoting the strategic logic, sustainability and intrinsic deterrent value of nuclear deterrence and particularly that of “Mutually Assured Destruction ”. China had not yet joined the Committee as a functioning member.

Ukrainians have paid dearly for Russia’s incursion, which most of the world believes was not justified. The Ukrainian people know they are fighting for their homes, and that’s what will ultimately tilt the balance on the battlefield.

In turbulent times, China remains steadfastly committed to its path of peaceful development. The words of President Xi Jinping and State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi are worthy of thoughtful study.

It is counterproductive to set China and the ‘West’ up as rivals locked in an existential struggle over values. In light of the increasingly polarized views of the East and the West, it is crucial to steer clear of political absolutism to have a more truthful understanding and practical progress on a range of issues such as policy, education, health, etc.