Global South should speak up for peace, empower development: Wang Yi

Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Sunday that the Global South should strengthen communication and coordination, jointly safeguard its legitimate rights and interests, and expand the space for independent development amid the rise of hegemonism and power politics.

He made the remarks at a news conference on the sidelines of the fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress.

"The collective rise of the Global South is a distinct hallmark of the great transformation unfolding in the world," he said.

"The Global South is an emerging, positive force for good on the international stage, and should speak up for peace and empower development," Wang added.

Highlighting the importance of multilateralism for Global South countries, Wang said countries "must always ensure that world affairs are discussed and handled by all nations, and that international rules are formulated by all countries".

Wang also noted that the development of the Global South requires an open and cooperative international environment.

To this end, he called for promoting inclusive and universally beneficial economic globalization, advancing the building of an open world economy, and firmly safeguarding the multilateral trading system so that opportunities can be shared and win-win outcomes achieved through openness.

China stands ready to work with other Global South countries to move forward together on the path toward modernization and promote the building of a community with a shared future for humanity, he added.