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Kuda Bwititi
News Editor
OVER the past few weeks, China’s engagements with a number of countries have strongly suggested that, finally, a new international order could be shaping up, as the Asian giant’s pursuit of multilateralism is beginning to bear fruit.
The manifestation of true multilateralism holds immense benefits for all nations of the globe, including Zimbabwe.
President Xi Jinping recently hosted Brazil’s President Lula Inacio da Silva, in a historic engagement between the two countries, set to increase bilateral cooperation, boost South-to-South cooperation and strengthen the bond within the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) bloc, and increase its appeal as an alternative multilateral grouping that is now attracting possibility of expansion.
Further, China has hosted French President Emmanuel Macron, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez in recent times.
Only last week, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock visited China, barely five months after the visit by Chancellor Olaf Scholz in November 2022.
On the other hand, the European Union’s foreign policy chief, Josep Borrell, would have been in China recently, but tested positive for Covid-19.
In arguably one of the most remarkable developments in global affairs, China brokered a rapprochement between Saudi Arabia and Iran, which has seen the resumption of diplomatic ties between the two, and de-escalation of tensions in the Middle East, with real and tangible results quickly manifesting in the truce and peace-building in Yemen.
Lately, President Xi is hosting an African leader, Ali Bongo Odimba of Gabon, showing just how expansive, systematic and inclusive China’s engagements are.
Finally, there has been increasing talk of the need for the world to abandon the United States (US) dollar in favour of local currencies, with leading economies such as China, Saudi Arabia and Russia considering use of the alternative regime.
These developments are very significant and remarkable.
First, they demonstrate sheer pulling power of China as a political, economic and moral force.
There is growing talk about China “reshaping the global order”.
When China is attracting global powers from Europe, South America, the Middle East and Africa in such quick succession, this is not far-fetched.
Online Reporter