(iPoster) The Drastic Shift in the Discourse of the Global South in China

• In Event: Poster Session: Various Interesting Foreign Policy

Abstract

China has historically been skeptical of the term "Global South" as it resurfaced in international political discourse, particularly during the G-7 Hiroshima Summit in May 2023, where the term was prominently featured in press conferences. China perceived it as a rhetorical tool employed by Western powers to divide developing countries and contain its rise. However, in recent years, the concept of the "Global South" has evolved into a central pillar of China’s foreign policy. This paper examines the shifting discourse surrounding the construction of the "Global South" within China, highlighting its distinct characteristics in contrast to Western interpretations. It analyzes how this narrative has been framed and represented in speeches by high-level leaders, Chinese policy documents, official media, and academic circles since 2000. By exploring the historical, political, and ideological factors that shape China’s perception of the Global South, the study assesses the implications of this discourse for international relations, particularly in the context of China’s expanding global influence and its increasing engagement with developing nations. Through this analysis, the paper offers a deeper understanding of the role of language and narrative in shaping global geopolitics, providing valuable insights into the evolving dynamics of China’s relationship with the Global South in the 21st century.

Author

• Fanglu Sun, Fudan University