In response to a question from Prensa Latina, the spokesperson stressed that developing countries have been a key driver of global changes. Lou Qinjian pointed out that, in the last 20 years, nations in the Global South have contributed up to 80 percent to global economic growth. The collective rise of this region is a clear sign of current global transformations, he said.

According to Lou, as part of the developing world, China has maintained a close relationship with the Global South, being an active participant and leader in South-South cooperation. “President Xi Jinping presented the Global South Opening, Inclusion and Cooperation Initiative, along with eight specific measures to strengthen this collaboration,” he recalled.

Lou Qinjian also recalled that Beijing has provided development assistance to more than 160 countries and worked with more than 150 nations and 30 international organizations in building the Belt and Road. He also noted that China applies zero tariffs to products from more than 40 least developed countries.

“World peace and development still face significant challenges. In this context, China is committed to promoting the construction of a community of shared future for humanity and accelerating the implementation of its three major global initiatives,” the spokesman said, highlighting National People’s Congress’ willingness to strengthen friendly relations with the legislative bodies of other countries in the Global South.

The press conference took place prior to the opening of the third session of the 14th National People’s Congress, one of China’s most important political events, a time to evaluate the country’s performance in the previous year and set goals for the next.

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