Prof. David Monyae
South Africa took the helm of the G20 at a time when the world is grappling with the resurgence of American isolationism and unilateralism characterized by the withdrawal from international agreements and protectionist trade measures in what the Donald Trump administration describes as its “America first policy”.
South Africa's hosting of the G20 Foreign Ministers meeting in Johannesburg comes against the backdrop of global turbulence marked by Trump’s policies that have heightened trade wars, weakened global institutions and strained relations with several countries, including South Africa.
Despite failed diplomatic attempts to de-escalate tensions with the US, South Africa must maintain its non-aligned stance and use its G20 leadership position to prioritize the global agenda. Moreover, it should leverage its cordial relationship with China and other nations in the Global South to advance multilateralism to contain undue influence from any single dominant power.
US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, boycotted the meeting on account of deteriorating bilateral relations with South Africa and a general shift towards the “America first policy” that prioritizes national sovereignty over global cooperation. Against this backdrop, South Africa's presidency of the G20 in 2025 assumes critical importance as a champion of multilateralism and a prominent voice of the Global South.
The Summit’s theme of "Solidarity, Equality, and Sustainability" highlights South Africa’s (G20 presidency) priorities that include inclusive economic growth, reduced inequality, industrialization of the Global South, Just Energy Transition, Artificial Intelligence, data governance and innovation for sustainable development.
It is in this context that Chinese Foreign Minister, Wang Yi’s visit and speech at the G20 summit becomes significant.
South Africa’s success as the G20 president will depend on its ability to foster consensus among members and the support of China to drive international cooperation. Wang Yi affirmed China’s commitment to work together with South Africa to address pressing global challenges. He reiterated China’s commitment to a just world and a sustainable planet guided by the Rio summit’s pledge to join forces for world peace, stability and a safer world.
“Countries should respect each other’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and respect the development paths and social systems independently chosen by each other,” said Wang Yi.
He added: “Disputes between countries should be handled peacefully through dialogue and negotiation and international and regional hotspot issues should be solved by political means. Confrontation and interference in other countries' internal affairs must be rejected.”
Wang Yi’s attendance at the G20 meeting in Johannesburg comes soon after his participation in the Munich security conference where China held bilateral meetings with European leaders affirming its commitment to multilateralism, strengthening ties with different regions of the globe and promoting dialogue and cooperation and as well as offering leadership and big power responsibility on global concerns.
At the Munich conference, Wang Yi articulated China's position on major international issues and reiterated China’s commitment to working with other countries to address shared security challenges.
He is scheduled to chair a UN Security Council meeting in New York on the theme "practising multilateralism, reforming and improving global governance", further highlighting China’s commitment to multilateralism. He also warned against any “unilateral bullying practice” from Washington expressing that “any way the wind blows, China will remain calm and steadfast."
These developments make China South Africa’s natural ally in its G20 leadership agenda.
The two share a common agenda on international affairs supported by the majority of the Global South countries. During the last FOCAC meeting held in Beijing, China, President Xi Jinping pointed out that the friendship between China and South Africa stems from their mutual support in the fight for national liberation, from their mutual assistance in advancing national development, and from their unity and coordination in pursuit of international equity and justice.
At the last G20 Foreign Ministers’ meeting in New York in September 2024, Wang Yi said that the G20 should take the lead in promoting global trade and governance reform.
“We should stick to the original goal of building an open world economy, promote trade and investment liberalization and facilitation, and foster a just, fair and non-discriminatory environment for trade and investment. We should oppose protectionism of all forms, build more bridges of cooperation, and reduce “small yard, high fence” type of trade barriers,” he said.
From the onset, China has shown its commitment towards supporting South Africa’s presidency and agenda in the G20. In his speech, Wang Yi reminded members that this year represents the African moment at the G20 where the continent hosts the Summit for the first time after welcoming the African Union as a member.
America’s isolationism presents an opportunity for China to play a more prominent role in international affairs and work with South Africa to promote a new world order where the voice of the Global South is adequately represented in global governance and institutions.
China's foreign ministry stated that Beijing is ready to work with all countries to reinforce solidarity and cooperation and promote multilateralism and collective efforts towards common global challenges.
The absence of the US from the G20 meeting allows China to enhance its influence within the group and beyond, alienating the US from global concerns and the Global South.
China’s narrative of “building a community with a shared future for mankind” will gain traction globally and give added impetus to its global initiatives that speak to the aspirations of many developing countries in the Global South as well as developed countries in the Northern Hemisphere committed to global cooperation.
The Global Development Initiative (GDI), Global Security Initiative (GSI) and Global Civilization Initiative (GCI) will feature more prominently in international affairs in the absence of US leadership.
Countries will rely more on China’s leadership and support to address common concerns about climate change, global trade and advanced technology giving China an edge.
For instance, the development of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and data security is a matter of concern globally. However, as the US resorts to arm twisting and sabotage, China is calling for an AI governance mechanism within the framework of the United Nations (UN) to promote international cooperation and capacity sharing for common development, a positive gesture towards common development.
Bilaterally, despite the importance of the US as a trade partner, and the deteriorating relations in the face of aid cuts and diplomatic isolation, South Africa will have to look to China as it is its most significant trading partner.
Its trade volume reached $52.5 billion in 2024, doubling the trade volume between South Africa and the US in the same year. South Africa’s commitment towards the expanded BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa and later Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates) will be further reinforced to drive multilateralism and diversify its economic and political links to further its national interests.
It is time for South Africa to emphasise its sovereignty and strategic autonomy in resisting external pressure and maintaining its non-aligned stance. Unbowed, it is capable and ready to preside over the G20 and foster the spirit of international cooperation and coordination in an orderly and inclusive multipolar world.
* Prof. David Monyae is the Director of the Centre for Africa-China Studies at the University of Johannesburg.
** The views expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of IOL or Independent Media.