Launch of Prof Monyae’s book on Xi Jinping and the Global South

On 11 November, Prof David Monyae, in partnership with the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in South Africa and the National Press Club, launched his highly anticipated book titled Xi Jinping and the Global South at the Pretoria Botanical Gardens.

The event attracted academics, journalists, government officials and members of the public with an interest in exploring China’s relations with the Global South.

Prof David Monyae addresses the audience.

In a post on his own Facebook page, Prof Monyae has commented as follows: ‘A successful and humbling launch of my book aimed to ignite action, activate debate, foster collaboration and facilitate critical conversations. A book on visionary leadership, possibility, innovation and a brighter future for all.

‘It would not have happened without the support and help from many, but I am indebted to the kindness, generosity and sponsorship from my team at the UJ Centre for Africa-China Studies (CACS), the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in South Africa, the National Press Club, the University of Johannesburg, and my family.’

He thanked all those who attended the launch for their time and participation in a ‘key milestone for me’, and for also being party to a new dialogue and the unlocking of new perspectives.

Colleagues from the CACS at the book launch.

More about the book

China has played a major role in advocating for and advancing the causes and interests of the
Global South in terms of fighting colonialism and imperialism, forging solidarity, promoting peace,  stability and development, often at great sacrifice. Comprising 85 per cent of the global population,  producing 42 per cent of the world’s GDP and being the source of 44 per cent of the world’s  merchandise exports, the Global South is increasingly becoming a major force in the global order.

President Xi Jinping has embraced clear and progressive initiatives – the Belt and Road Initiative
(BRI), the Global Development Initiative (GDI), the Global Security Initiative (GSI) and the Global  Civilisation Initiative (GCI) – which have led to massive Chinese investment in infrastructure projects, in Africa, Asia and Latin America. This has created many pathways which has boosted South South trade and investment and economic growth.

In the quest to promote common prosperity and create a shared future for mankind, China under  Xi Jinping’s leadership has also overseen numerous poverty alleviation projects across the Global  South. Further, China has played a leading role in promoting peace and security in the Global South  through providing much needed funds and committing troops in various peacekeeping missions.

China has also led from the front in demanding the reform of global governance institutions like the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the World Bank, and the World Trade Organization (WTO) whose historical legacies and modus operandi continue to undermine the development potential and interests of the Global South countries.

This book is an in-depth examination of the content and impact of President Xi Jinping’s policies
towards the Global South in the last 13 years, and how they have shaped the global order.