China's Xi highlights 'Global South' measures at G20

Washington — Chinese President Xi Jinping announced a range of measures to boost global development in his remarks Monday at G20 Summit meetings in Rio de Janeiro — highlighting Beijing’s support for its global infrastructure project, the Belt and Road, and a joint technology initiative to support so-called “Global South” nations.

Xi said the “Open Science International Cooperation Initiative” would be spearheaded by China, Brazil, South Africa and the African Union to ensure that technological advances benefit less developed, underdeveloped and developing nations.

"China supports the G20 in carrying out practical cooperation for the benefit of the Global South," Xi said, according to state news agency Xinhua. He also said China expects imports from developing countries to top $8 trillion between now and 2030.

The Global South generally refers to countries listed as “developing” by the United Nations but also includes China and several wealthy Gulf states. In recent years, China and Russia have stepped up their use of the grouping to highlight efforts to support the developing world and grow the political, military and economic influence.

Beyond advocating for the Global South, China is also using the G20 summit to bolster its bilateral ties, meeting with the leaders from Britain and Australia on Monday, as well as host Brazil.

Xi’s meeting on Monday with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer was a first for the two countries since 2018. Both sides were enthusiastic about building positive relations, despite a growing range of differences from security to human rights concerns.

During his meeting with Xi, Starmer said he wants relations between the two countries to be “consistent, durable and respectful.” He also stressed that Britain is “committed to the rule of law.”

Ties between Britain and China have been strained in recent years over a range of issues, including the case of Hong Kong media tycoon and British national Jimmy Lai, who is currently on trial in the port city, a former British colony.

Starmer raised Lai’s case directly during his meeting with Xi on Monday.

According to the Xinhua News Agency, Xi told Starmer that the two countries have the potential for more cooperation and “should open up new prospects for China-U.K. ties.”

During his meeting with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Xi lauded what he called the "positive progress" in ties, according to Chinese state media. Much like Beijing’s relations with Britain, ties between Australia and China have been strained in recent years.

After the G20 summit, Xi will pay a state visit to Brazil in honor of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two countries.