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Can the Global South have a say in global affairs?

Al Jazeera English reports on China's push for greater representation of emerging economies in global governance. The article discusses Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi's argument that developing nations need a stronger voice in international institutions like the United Nations. It also raises questions about whether China is positioning itself as a leader of the Global South and if it can gain sufficient support for this role.

Inside Story China calls for stronger representation for emerging economies.

China’s foreign minister says that emerging economies remain underrepresented in global governance institutions.

Presenting China’s new white paper on making global governance more equitable, minister Wang Yi argued that the role of the United Nations should be strengthened and developing countries should have a stronger voice in the world body.

In Beijing’s stated view, all countries should have an equal voice in global affairs, which means the Global South should have more representation.

China’s call comes as the world is engulfed in many armed conflicts and facing serious economic challenges.

But is Beijing now presenting itself as a leader of the Global South? And will it be able to garner enough support to play that role?

Presenter: Sami Zeidan

Guests:

Steve Tsang – Director of the SOAS China Institute

Cobus van Staden – Head of research at the China-Global South Project

Allen Carlson – Associate professor in the Government Department at Cornell University

Published On 18 Jun 2026

Read the full article at Al Jazeera English →

Source document: China's White Paper on Making Global Governance More Equitable