The China in Africa Podcast China's Play for Global Governance Leadership
Oct 1, 2025
Brian Wong, an assistant professor at the University of Hong Kong and expert on Chinese global governance, explores China's newly announced Global Governance Initiative (GGI). He discusses how China is positioning itself for leadership amid declining US influence, emphasizing its economic interests and support for multilateralism. Wong highlights the concept of 'dexterous ambiguity' in Chinese initiatives, and reveals the need for China to build trust with neighbors despite geopolitical tensions. He argues that the GGI offers states more options without completely challenging the current global order.
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GGI Framed As UN-Centered Multilateral Fix
- China frames the Global Governance Initiative (GGI) as supporting a fairer multilateral order anchored in the UN and SDGs.
- State media localizes the GGI message heavily in the Global South to build acceptance.
Xi Announces GGI At SCO+ Summit
- Xi introduced the GGI at the SCO Plus summit, linking it to earlier global initiatives.
- He framed the GGI as promoting a 'community with a shared future for humanity.'
Media Push Drives Global South Messaging
- Chinese state media and embassy op-eds are running a full-court press to promote the GGI across Africa and Latin America.
- Content-sharing deals and paid columns let Beijing rapidly amplify local acceptance.
