Strategic Choices of Global South Countries Amidst Profound Changes Unseen in a Century
A significant feature of the profound changes unseen in a century is the major shift in the international balance of power,with the most important change being the rise of the Global South.The Global South has enhanced its autonomy in strategic choices,and its orientation has significant implications for world development and the future of the international order.The Global South shares common pursuits,namely opposing unilateralism,not participating in group formations designed for confrontation,and maintaining an open and cooperative framework and environment for world development.Each country independently makes strategic and policy choices based on its development and security interests and needs,and avoids choosing sides.Therefore,in the face of an increasingly complex and competitive international landscape,the concept"choose initiatives rather than choose sides"has become the preferred choice for the Global South countries.The Global South is a new driving force for regional cooperation and has become a leader in many areas.In Asia,Africa,and Latin America,various forms of regional cooperation are flourishing.Based on the fundamental consensus that development is the master key to solving all problems,development cooperation is the strategic direction for strengthening cooperation among the Global South countries.China,as a natural member of the Global South,provides a large market and trade growth spillover effects for cooperation and joint development among the Global South countries.China's comprehensive openness and cooperative strategic initiatives also offer a favorable external environment for the Global South countries to"choose initiatives rather than choose sides."