The Global South Arena: A Comparative Study of China and European Union Policies

Abstract

The Global South concept stems from the context of developing countries. The increasing significance of Global South in global governance has drawn the attention of leading international players, including China and the European Union. While both acknowledge the salience of their engagement with Global South, their strategic priorities and approaches exhibit considerable variation. China identifies itself as a key member of the Global South, leveraging common historical trajectories and similar development challenges to facilitate collaboration and collective prosperity. In contrast, the European Union engages more as an external actor with the Global South offering assistance, technical support, and organizational collaborations while reinforcing institutional norms and governance systems. This paper undertakes a comparative critique of China and EU's policy frameworks regarding Global South, analyzing their strategic goals, cooperation agendas, and development models. It examines the ways both powers seek to expand their influence through initiatives such as China’s Belt and Road Initiative and the EU’s Global Gateway. Emphasizing the shared patterns and distinct differences, this research provides perspectives on shifting geopolitical landscapes and their impact on EU-China relations in an increasingly multipolar world.