The China-Global South Podcast Is China Building a New World Order?
Mar 10, 2026
Joel Ng, senior fellow and head of the Centre for Multilateralism Studies, studies China’s multilateral moves. He explains Sinocentric multilateralism and whether China is building parallel institutions. Short discussions cover BRICS, the Global Security Initiative, summit formats like FOCAC, why Global South countries are drawn to China, and the risks if UN influence wanes.
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Personal Travel Delay Highlights Chinese Airlines’ Route Advantage
- Joel Ng recounts being caught in Gulf travel disruptions and notes Chinese carriers’ advantage on Russia overflight routes.
- He illustrates real-world impact: travelers on Chinese airlines reached home faster during the Gulf and Russia route upheavals.
China Uses Regional Convenings Not A Single Parallel System
- Sinocentric multilateralism is a patchwork of regional convening formats rather than a single parallel UN-like institution.
- Joel Ng shows China uses forums like FOCAC, China-CELAC, and ASEAN+1 to manage bilateral ties collectively without seeking to replace the UN.
BRICS And China Platforms Are Development First Not Security Pacts
- China’s multilateral platforms prioritize development and economic cooperation, not security commitments like NATO-style alliances.
- Joel Ng argues BRICS and similar forums are 'low-hanging fruit' focused on financing and infrastructure, so silence on attacks reflects limits, not disloyalty.
