The China-Global South Podcast China's Play for Global Governance Leadership
25 snips
Sep 30, 2025 Brian Wong, an assistant professor at the University of Hong Kong and expert on global governance, joins the discussion on China’s ambitious Global Governance Initiative (GGI). He dives into how China frames the GGI as a solution to U.S. dominance while promoting multilateralism. Wong also reveals the vagueness of these initiatives, which strategically opens political doors for China. The conversation explores economic motivations behind the GGI and China's necessity to reassure its neighbors amidst rising tensions, illustrating a complex interplay of diplomacy and development.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
GGI Frames Multilateralism Around Development
- Xi's Global Governance Initiative (GGI) ties itself to the UN and SDGs while promoting multilateralism and economic development as core aims.
- China frames the GGI as an antidote to "one or two countries" dominating global affairs to appeal to the Global South.
Coordinated Media Push For The GGI
- China launched a full-court propaganda push to promote the GGI, especially in Africa and Latin America via state media and paid placements.
- Beijing localizes messaging through partner outlets and ambassador op-eds to build acceptance in the Global South.
Localizing Narrative Through Media Deals
- China uses paid columns, media-sharing deals, and forums to localize the GGI narrative in African news ecosystems.
- These tactics mirror corporate communications and amplify Chinese diplomacy effectively in developing markets.
