The term “Global South” is in constant use nowadays. For example, some commentators warn that Israel’s incursion into Gaza is “alienating the Global South,” and we often hear that the “Global South” wants a ceasefire in Ukraine. But what do people mean when they use it?

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.

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.

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.