Strengthening ties through the BRI

SONG CHEN/CHINA DAILY

The Global South's emergence as a coherent political and economic bloc is not merely a consequence of shifting power dynamics, but an outcome of China's sustained engagement

The Belt and Road Initiative has become a defining pillar of China's foreign policy, fostering an "unprecedented era" of political and diplomatic realignment between China and the Global South. What began as an ambitious infrastructure and trade network has evolved into a transformative platform for South-South cooperation, challenging traditional geopolitical hierarchies and amplifying the influence of developing nations in global affairs.

The BRI has not only facilitated physical connectivity through roads, railways and ports but also cultivated a new political and diplomatic architecture where mutual respect and shared prosperity define the contours of engagement. This shift has allowed developing nations to reposition themselves as equal partners in global politics, forging stronger political alliances and asserting their influence in multilateral platforms.

At the heart of this geopolitical transformation is China's commitment to the principles of mutual respect and non-interference. China's approach through the BRI has been largely framed around respect for national sovereignty and domestic political structures. Developing nations, long subjected to the paternalistic tendencies of Western-dominated financial institutions, have found in China a partner willing to engage without imposing ideological conformity.

One of the most visible successes of the BRI in fostering political cooperation is in Africa. The construction of the Addis Ababa-Djibouti Railway, a some $4 billion-project financed and built by Chinese companies, has not only boosted trade between Ethiopia and Djibouti but also reinforced political cooperation between the two nations. This project is part of a broader strategy where infrastructure development serves as a catalyst for diplomatic engagement.

The African Union's endorsement of the BRI as a strategic development partner underscores the growing alignment between China and African states on key issues such as trade, security and governance. In Kenya, the Mombasa-Nairobi Standard Gauge Railway — financed through Chinese loans and constructed by Chinese companies — has similarly deepened political ties. Kenya's government has maintained strong diplomatic engagement with China, recognizing the railway as a critical link in its long-term development strategy.

In Latin America, the political dividends of the BRI are equally profound. Venezuela, facing economic sanctions and political isolation from Western powers, has found in China a reliable partner for both economic and political support. China's extensive investments in Venezuela's oil industry, coupled with financial aid and infrastructure development, have allowed the Venezuelan government to maintain political stability despite external pressures. Brazil has also deepened its diplomatic engagement with China, with the two nations coordinating on key global issues such as climate change and trade policy.

Developing nations have increasingly coordinated their positions on key issues such as trade disputes, climate change and global security. China's consistent advocacy for a multipolar world order, where no single power dictates the terms of engagement, has resonated deeply among developing nations seeking to escape the legacy of colonial dependency and economic exploitation.

China's support for political cohesion within the Global South has also extended to security and defense cooperation. In 2017, China established its first overseas military base in Djibouti, strategically positioned near key maritime trade routes. While this move was initially viewed with skepticism, it has since facilitated enhanced security cooperation between China and African states, including joint naval exercises and intelligence sharing.

China's involvement in peacekeeping missions under the United Nations framework, particularly in conflict-prone areas such as South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo, has further solidified its role as a strategic security partner for African nations. The provision of Chinese military aid and training to African countries has reinforced political ties, ensuring that China remains a pivotal player in Africa's security architecture.

The political realignment facilitated by the BRI is also reflected in the growing diplomatic assertiveness of the Global South. China's backing of African and Asian countries' demands for fairer terms in global trade agreements has amplified the bargaining power of these nations. The establishment of the BRICS Contingent Reserve Arrangement, a financial safety net designed to provide liquidity support to member states in times of crisis, is a direct outcome of this strategic alignment. It reflects a broader shift where developing nations are no longer passive recipients of global policy but active participants in shaping its direction.

Furthermore, China's non-interference policy has allowed political regimes in the Global South to pursue domestic priorities without external pressure. In Zimbabwe, for instance, China has maintained strong diplomatic ties with both the late Robert Mugabe and the incumbent Emmerson Mnangagwa administrations despite Western sanctions and political turmoil. This consistency in engagement has provided Zimbabwe with an alternative source of economic and political support, reducing its vulnerability to Western political pressures. In Southeast Asia, China, through the BRI, has provided critical infrastructure funding and support to Cambodia, aiding its socioeconomic development.

The BRI's success in fostering political and diplomatic cohesion among developing nations lies in its ability to balance strategic interests with mutual respect. China's approach has been pragmatic, emphasizing shared economic and political gains. The trust forged through this engagement has provided a diplomatic buffer against external pressures, allowing countries in the Global South to assert their political sovereignty with greater confidence. As the BRI continues to expand, the political and diplomatic dividends for the Global South are poised to deepen, cementing a new era of cooperation where developing nations hold greater sway in the global order.

In an increasingly fragmented world, the BRI stands out as a testament to the power of strategic cooperation. The rise of the Global South as a coherent political and economic bloc is not merely a consequence of shifting power dynamics but an outcome of China's sustained engagement through the BRI. In fostering infrastructure, trade and political alignment, the BRI has not only connected continents but also recalibrated the balance of global power.

The author is executive director of South-South Dialogues, a Nairobi-based communications development think tank. The author contributed this article to China Watch, a think tank powered by China Daily.

The views do not necessarily reflect those of China Daily.

Contact the editor at editor@chinawatch.cn.