China and the Global South: Between "Rule" and "Exceptions"
A major recent survey by the Asia Society has revealed that the story of China’s standing in the Global South cannot be reduced to simple narratives of dominance or dependency. Rather than uniformly celebrated as a partner or uniformly distrusted as a disruptor, China is viewed in varied and sometimes contradictory ways — as both rule-maker and exception-to-the-rules. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
Three key patterns from the survey
The report highlights three broad yet interlinked patterns in how developing countries perceive China:
- Instrumental respect: Many governments in the Global South admire China’s infrastructure-led growth and see Beijing as a model for state-led development and investment partnership.
- Pragmatic caution: At the same time, concerns emerge around transparency, governance norms and debt conditions — in effect, China is seen as operating both inside and outside global rules. The “rule and exceptions” duality is present. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
- Selective alliance: Countries are cautious about being boxed into China’s orbit, even while they engage economically and diplomatically. The idea of being a full “client state” is not uniformly accepted.
Why the “rule vs exception” framing matters
The survey’s language—“rule and exceptions”—captures a deeper dynamic: China simultaneously champions a global order in which it seeks a larger role (rule) while in practice it frequently operates by its own logic (exception). This duality creates both opportunities and friction for countries that must navigate their relationship with Beijing carefully.
For example, infrastructure deals may be framed under the logic of global investment norms, yet the terms often emerge via bilateral negotiation, not multilateral institutions. Some recipients appreciate the flexibility; others worry about accountability. China’s model thus complicates traditional concepts of rule-based order. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
Implications for Global South governments
Governments must decide how to engage with China without trading away sovereignty or strategic autonomy. The survey suggests three strategic options:
- Optimise without alignment: Use Chinese investment and partnerships to advance development goals while maintaining diversified relations.
- Leverage competition: By signalling openness to multiple partners (China, Western donors, others) governments can negotiate better terms.
- Demand governance standards: Since China’s “exceptional” practices raise governance concerns, some Global South states are seeking greater transparency in deals or more regional oversight.
What this means for China’s global strategy
From Beijing’s perspective, the changing views signal both success and risk. On one hand, China is gaining acceptance among many developing countries as a key partner outside the Western-dominated system. On the other hand, rising awareness of governance, debt and rule-based questions means China must tread carefully if it wants to maintain broad support without backlash. The balance between “rule” and “exception” is therefore central to China’s diplomatic narrative.
Wider regional and global consequences
The findings disturb binary views: they challenge the idea that the Global South is uniformly aligned with China, or uniformly opposed. Instead, we see a spectrum of views, with countries weighing value, risk and independence. For global governance scholars and policy-makers, this means any analysis of China’s rise must account for nuance. Moreover, multilateral institutions may need to adapt to this “hybrid” environment where China plays both inside and outside traditional frameworks. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
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