Why the Global South closely follows President Xi’s New Year address

International audiences are closely watching Chinese President Xi Jinping’s New Year address for signals about China’s role in a world facing growing uncertainty. Marking the final year of China’s 14th Five-Year Plan, Xi highlighted improvements in people’s well-being and reaffirmed a people-centered development approach, with a strong focus on innovation, technological self-reliance, green growth, and high-quality development.

Looking ahead to the start of the 15th Five-Year Plan in 2026, Xi stressed deepening reform and opening-up, promoting shared prosperity, and sustaining long-term development. International observers, particularly in the Global South, see China’s emphasis on predictability, multilateral cooperation, and global governance reform as significant. Analysts noted that policies such as zero-tariff treatment for African countries and initiatives aimed at fairer global governance reinforce China’s image as a stabilizing force and a partner in promoting global development and cooperation.

Credit : CGTN