The View from Everywhere Else: Eric Olander on how the Global South is reading the Beijing summits

The recent high-level summitry in Beijing, featuring visits from Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin, has prompted significant speculation in Western capitals, yet the reaction across the Global South remains largely muted and pragmatic. Rather than focusing on great-power choreography, developing nations are prioritizing economic stability and navigating the ongoing energy squeeze. China’s strategic response to U.S. trade pressure involves a three-pronged approach: moving up-market, localizing production, and expanding engagement with Global South markets. While coalitions like BRICS and the Quad face internal strains due to conflicting national priorities, China continues to leverage its economic influence. Guest Eric Olander, founder of the China Global South Project, highlights that many nations are increasingly de-risking from the United States, viewing China as a more reliable economic partner despite the ongoing volatility in the international order.