The Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in South Africa co-hosted a major book launch event at the Pretoria National Botanical Gardens on Tuesday evening. The event marked the release of the book Xi Jinping and the Global South by Professor David Monyae and attracted academics, diplomats, media representatives, and civil society members.
Ambassador Wu Peng of China delivered a keynote address, congratulating Professor Monyae on the publication. “It is a great pleasure to join you for the launch of the new book, Xi Jinping and the Global South. On behalf of the Chinese Embassy in South Africa, I would like to offer warm congratulations on the publication of this book, and express my sincere thanks to all friends from different sectors who have long cared about and supported China–South Africa relations,” said Ambassador Wu.
He highlighted the upcoming G20 Summit in Johannesburg, the first on the African continent, and expressed China’s support for South Africa’s presidency. “We look forward to this Summit sending out a strong voice of the Global South on global governance. Today, we are gathered to discuss a major question: Where is the Global South headed, and how can China and the Global South move forward together?” he said.
Ambassador Wu outlined three key points from Professor Monyae’s book, emphasising the rise of the Global South, the role of China and Africa as pillars of the Global South, and China–South Africa cooperation as a model for strengthening Global South solidarity. He spoke about China’s longstanding support for Africa, including trade, investment, and the zero-tariff policy for African products, and noted the historic China–South Africa diplomatic relationship. The ambassador also highlighted the signing ceremony establishing the Institute for the Study of Chinese Modernization at the University of Johannesburg.
Professor David Monyae addressed the audience, expressing gratitude to his family, colleagues, and the Chinese Embassy. “This book invites us all to rethink International Relations from the critical perspective of the Global South, a lens that reveals both the challenges and opportunities shaping our shared world,” he said.
He highlighted China’s development and its contributions to South–South cooperation. “China’s remarkable rise, from enduring poverty to becoming a global economic and technological powerhouse, offers powerful lessons for Africa and the Global South to ponder. Equally important is China’s sustained advocacy for fair governance, anti-imperialism, equality, and shared prosperity, which resonate deeply with Global South aspirations,” Professor Monyae said.
The professor emphasised the importance of understanding China’s policies and Xi Jinping Thought in relation to Global South cooperation. He also called for African countries to pursue development paths suited to their own conditions and to engage in inclusive dialogue with other Global South nations.
The book covers topics including China’s historical role in the Global South, Xi Jinping Thought, the Global Civilization Initiative, China-Africa relations, global governance reforms, educational exchanges, and value addition in African industries.
Professor Monyae concluded by urging readers to engage critically with the book and consider the collective potential of Global South countries. “If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together,” he said.
The event showcased growing academic and diplomatic engagement between China and South Africa and highlighted the role of intellectual exchanges in strengthening Global South cooperation.
