In a New York Times article, experts predicted 40 years ago that China’s experiment with socialism would fail. Host Mushahid Hussain Sayed, former chairman of Pakistan’s Senate Defense Committee, highlighted on CGTN’s show Global South Voices that this prediction hasn’t come true. He argued that U.S. ideological views on China don’t match the reality of its success. The episode examined Antony Blinken’s “table and menu” theory, discussing China’s evolving global role.
Einar Tangen, an American commentator and Senior Fellow of Taihe Institute, emphasized that China’s approach to global order differs fundamentally from that of the U.S. While the U.S. has historically relied on imperialism, war, and exploitation, China focuses on internal development, peace, and trade. Tangen highlighted that China’s strategy is built on mutual respect, consensus, and economic progress, rather than imposing ideology. He also mentioned China’s initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), and BRICS, which foster a cooperative international order compared to the U.S.-led system focused on maintaining dominance.
Roberto Savio, founder of Inter Press Service (IPS), discussed shifting global power dynamics, noting China’s re-emergence and the U.S.’s declining influence. He pointed out that world crises like climate change demand global cooperation, but the U.S. remains tied to outdated policies. Savio stressed the need for ideological diversity and cooperation among nations with different cultures to address global challenges.
Sous Yara, spokesman of the Cambodian People’s Party, praised China’s multilateral diplomacy and peaceful rise through initiatives like the BRI. He emphasized China’s focus on mutual respect, trust, and cooperation without imposing ideology, especially in Southeast Asia. Yara highlighted how China’s leadership promotes balanced foreign policy and trade, fostering peaceful resolutions and collective prosperity.
Fred M’membe, president of Zambia’s Socialist Party, highlighted the long-standing China-Africa relationship as a model for South-South cooperation. He emphasized China’s support for Africa’s independence and sovereignty, contrasting it with the West’s condescending attitude. M’membe supported China’s vision of global cooperation and multipolarity, contrasting it with the U.S.’s mentality of dominance, where nations must either be “at the table” or “on the menu.”
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