Chinese President Xi Jinping recently wrapped up his attendance at the G20 summit held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and on his return, he made the noteworthy decision to stop by Morocco. This first-time visit by Xi as president signals China's strategic inclinations toward enhancing ties with Africa—a continent with which Beijing has increasingly sought to forge closer economic and diplomatic relationships.
Upon his arrival at Casablanca Airport, Xi was warmly welcomed by Moroccan Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan and Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch. State media reported his intent to advance cooperation under China's Belt and Road Initiative, aimed at fostering mutual development. This trip is not just about political niceties; it’s part of China's larger strategy to solidify its standing and influence across developing regions.
Ever since Xi took the presidency, China has concentrated efforts on strengthening relationships with developing nations, balancing both economic aspirations and geopolitical interests. For China, these engagements are not merely about trade; they also double as moves to offer counterweights against the US-dominated global order. This recent stop showed how China is systematically constructing frameworks forkinship and collaboration centered on mutual benefit.
At the forefront of these economic initiatives is China's burgeoning battery supply chain being built in Morocco. With Morocco enjoying free-trade agreements with both the US and the EU, it has become increasingly attractive for Chinese investment. Earlier this year, Zhejiang Hailiang Co.—a significant player in copper production—unveiled plans for a $288 million plant focused on manufacturing new-energy materials. Meanwhile, Morocco's state-owned investment fund recently secured partnerships aimed at establishing the country's first electric battery gigafactory, promoting not only local industry but also contributing to green energy supply chains.
This frenzy of investment is indicative of China's global strategy where economics and diplomacy intersect. During the G20 summit, President Xi made clear his vision for what he termed 'inclusive development,' emphasizing equitable growth and global cooperation, particularly geared toward the Global South. His strategy involves promoting South-South cooperation, aiming to uplift developing economies to help them climb the development ladder and empower their voices on the world stage.
During his address at the G20, Xi highlighted the necessity of upgrading the global governance system to improve its representation of developing nations, marking it as both necessary and ethical. This was underscored by pledging to increase imports from these nations to $8 trillion by 2030, signifying China's commitment to nurturing ties with them. Initiatives like the Global Development Initiative and proposals to bolster agricultural security are tangible outputs of this focus.
Complementing these efforts are China's action plans which comprise eight main pillars, with the expansion of the Belt and Road Initiative being central to the strategy. Xi also emphasized the importance of international collaboration on science and technology as indispensable components for fostering sustainable growth and overcoming shared challenges faced by the Global South. Notably, newly inaugurated projects such as the Chancay Port provide real-world illustrations of China's ambitions.
The proposed Global Development Initiative—which aims to mobilize financial resources toward developing economies—took center stage at the summit, signaling China’s growing role as a champion for the Global South during discussions about poverty alleviation and food security. Funding commitments include $20 billion directed only at addressing poverty and promoting economic digitalization.
China's support extends significantly to Africa. The financial commitments made to this continent alone, amounting to 360 billion yuan (approximately $50 billion), expose China's intent to bridge economic gaps and nurture inclusive growth. By establishing trade relationships and infrastructure projects, China aims to spur growth and economic interdependence on the continent.
The issue of food security was another dimension where the G20 saw China's influence, as the joint declaration issued highlighted shared goals between China’s immediate actions and the primary objectives of the summit. This speaks to the broader necessity of coordinated international efforts to combat common challenges impacting global populations.
Meanwhile, the summit itself became a platform for discussing larger stakes, such as the geopolitical tensions arising from the Russia-Ukraine conflict and the Israel-Palestine situation, which loomed over proceedings. The need for UN reform emerged as another contentious topic, with varying national interests complicting progress.
Returning to economic themes, there has been considerable clamor about addressing global inequality, with proposals like taxing the ultra-rich being debated. Yet, reluctance exists especially from certain nations resistant to rethinking fiscal policies to match the ideals of economic equity.
China's role as both leader and partner at this summit offered glimpses of potential pathways to inclusive solutions. Their commitment to renewable energy, particularly through initiatives like the Green Silk Road, indicates adherence to sustainable practices paving ways to combat climate change challenges effectively.
Negotiations and diplomacy became buzzwords during Xi's engagements, as he and his delegation met with leaders from the UK, Australia, and Brazil among others. The ability to navigate these complex relationships, and still reaffirm China's intentions for mutually beneficial partnerships, is pivotal as geopolitical landscapes shift.
Looking toward the future, as experts like Wang Zhengxu and Meng Jingwen affirm, the steps taken during these conferences signal China’s resolve to prioritize inclusive growth, not just for itself but also as it reaches out to developing countries. This approach could reshape the global order, creating new definitions of power dynamics characterized by partnership and empowerment rather than mere domination.
Although global governance remains fraught with challenges, particularly amid rising tensions and economic disparities, China's vision for collaboration and growth offers hope for mitigating these pressing global issues. Through the lens of inclusive development, China is casting itself as not just another economic giant, but as a potential leader ready to assist the Global South to emerge from its shadows onto the global stage.
