China and South Africa in the context of South-South cooperation: cooperation in the United Nations and World Trade Organisation
Date
2010-03-03T08:40:14Z
Authors
Matshanda, Namhla Thando
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
ABSTRACT
South-South cooperation has become one of the most powerful tools at the disposal of
developing countries for integration into the global economy. South-South relations that
gained momentum in the aftermath of the Cold War have demonstrated a radical departure
from the now archaic modes of engagement characteristic of the Cold War era. A handful of
developing countries have emerged as de facto leaders of the South. These are countries that
have taken significant rhetorical as well as practical steps towards strengthening South-South
cooperation, as a means to counter the global domination of the affluent states of the North.
This research report investigates the Post-Cold war adaptation of South-South cooperation
exemplified by China and South Africa, and how they cooperate in international fora, with
focus on the United Nations and World Trade Organisation. These are two countries that are
strong advocates of South-South solidarity, and are regarded as leading powers of the
developing world. Although with varying political and economic formations, the two
countries have much in common. The most salient commonality is their evolving foreign
policies. It is their evolving foreign policies that have enabled China and South Africa to take
particular positions in international forums. There is significant commitment to the South
agenda and this is demonstrated in UN and WTO engagements. However, there is ample
room for improvement. Though committed to South-South cooperation, China and South
Africa are still more committed to national interests. For South-South cooperation to move
beyond rhetoric and periodic instances of cooperation there is an urgent need to redefine
South-South cooperation. A new definition should involve a significant shift from the current
abstract characterisation, to one that focuses on specific issues whose progress can be
monitored and measured.
Description
Keywords
South-South cooperation, China, South Africa, United Nations, World Trade