The 19th G20 Leaders' Summit in Rio de Janeiro (November 18–19, 2024) unfolded against a backdrop of economic stagnation, rising inequalities, and geopolitical tensions. While leaders from the world's largest economies gathered to discuss critical issues, China's participation garnered significant attention for its emphasis on practical solutions to global challenges and inclusive governance.
Chinese President Xi Jinping, attending his 11th G20 Summit since 2013, delivered two keynote speeches: "Building a Just World of Common Development" and "Jointly Constructing a Fair and Rational Global Governance System". His addresses offered actionable strategies for addressing poverty, hunger, and global inequality, as well as reforming governance structures to better reflect today’s realities.
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China’s success in poverty alleviation provided a compelling foundation for Xi’s remarks during the summit's first session on hunger and poverty. Drawing on China’s experience of lifting 800 million people out of poverty, Xi argued that development challenges can be overcome through sustained effort and international cooperation. By asserting, “If China can succeed, so can other developing nations,” Xi framed China’s accomplishments as an example rather than an exception.
In line with this perspective, Xi announced eight global development initiatives, including tariff-free access for products from the least-developed countries (LDCs) with diplomatic ties to China. This measure, highlighted by Turkey’s Anadolu Agency, positions China as a facilitator of trade-driven growth for economically vulnerable nations.
China also extended its commitment to the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) with a focus on sustainability and inclusivity. Collaboration with Brazil, South Africa, and the African Union to launch the "Open Science International Cooperation Initiative" underscored Beijing’s interest in leveraging technology for shared global progress. By emphasizing technological equity, China seeks to help bridge the gap between the Global South and the rest of the world, offering tangible pathways for development.
Another key theme was innovation in the digital economy and green development. Xi called for G20 members to foster a non-discriminatory digital ecosystem that promotes inclusion and accessibility. Singapore’s Asia News Network noted China’s emphasis on digital interconnectivity as a strategic tool for economic resilience. At the same time, Beijing advocated for international collaboration on climate initiatives, aligning with the summit's broader agenda on green economic transitions.
In the second session of the summit, Xi shifted focus to global governance reforms, stressing the need to create fairer trade and financial systems that accommodate the voices of emerging economies. Reuters reported on China’s strong advocacy for AI governance, highlighting Beijing’s position that advanced technologies must not be monopolized by wealthy nations. Xi’s caution against the politicization of economic issues and “hidden protectionism” resonated with countries concerned about the fragmentation of global markets.
While China’s leadership role was prominent, it wasn’t without critique. Observers noted that some countries remained cautious about Beijing’s ambitions, viewing them as a strategic move to expand influence in multilateral settings. However, others recognized China’s initiatives as a necessary counterbalance to growing protectionist tendencies in the global economy. For many nations in the Global South, Beijing’s proposals offered a rare alignment of rhetoric with concrete action.
Domestically, China’s ongoing economic reforms complement its international advocacy. Recent policies aimed at expanding market access and streamlining regulatory frameworks reflect Beijing’s readiness to adapt to an interconnected global economy. By aligning internal strategies with multilateral goals, China continues to strengthen its credibility as a global partner.
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The Rio G20 Summit highlighted the complexity of global challenges, from food insecurity to economic inequality and climate action. Amid these discussions, China’s pragmatic contributions stood out as a mix of vision and practical initiatives. By focusing on shared benefits and collective problem-solving, Beijing positioned itself as a key player in shaping a more inclusive international order.
As the summit concluded, Xi’s remarks echoed a broader appeal for unity: “Poverty must become a relic of the past.” While the path to a fairer world remains fraught with challenges, China’s engagement at the G20 serves as a reminder that collaborative approaches can yield meaningful progress.
This year’s summit reinforced the idea that addressing global disparities requires both innovative thinking and tangible action. China’s efforts at Rio, while ambitious, reflect a commitment to fostering a more inclusive and sustainable global system—a commitment that will likely shape its role in international forums for years to come.
