On the morning of September6,2024,the 13rdlectureof the "Cooperation and Development"series, jointly organized by the School of Political Science and Public Administration at Shandong University, the Institute of SCO Studies of Shandong University, the Institute for Public Safety Research of Shandong University, and the China-SCO Institute of Economics and Trade, was successfully heldat themeeting roomon thefourthfloor of Huagangyuan South Building. The theme of this lecture is"The Evolution of China's Trade Relations with Global South Countries,"andthe lecture was delivered by Professor Jiang Yaoping, former Vice Minister of both the Ministry of Commerce and the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology. Thelecturewas chaired by Professor Edmund Li Sheng, Distinguished Professor at the School of Political Science and Public Administration and Executive Dean of the Institute of SCO Studies,Shandong University. Faculty members and students from theSchool of Political Science and Public Administration and the School of Lawparticipated in the academic exchange and discussion.

At the beginning of the lecture, Professor Jiang Yaoping pointed out that the collective rise of emerging markets and developing countries, represented by BRICS nations, is fundamentally transforming the world landscape. He emphasized that China's rapidly growing trade with Global South countries has brought profound changes to global trade patterns. China's expanding trade volume with emerging markets, including ASEAN, Africa, Latin America and the Middle East, has significantly contributed to global trade prosperity. The optimization of trade structures in these emerging markets has promoted the upgrading of global trade frameworks, coinciding with China's manufacturing sector transitioning toward high-end and intelligent production. Meanwhile, innovative trade models from emerging economies are reshaping global trade patterns and fostering worldwide economic growth.Building on this analysis, Professor Jiang proposed six key recommendations: strengthening policy coordination and communication, optimizing trade structures, promoting digital and green trade development, participating in multilateral trade rule-making, emphasizing talent cultivation and think tank development, and enhancing cultural exchanges and people-to-people connectivity.

During the interactive session, faculty and students engaged in lively discussions on topics including AI development prospects and challenges facing digital industries. Drawing from Professor Jiang's presentation, Professor Edmund Li Sheng remarked that as a committed member of the Global South, China firmly upholds the common interests of developing nations. China will continue adhering to the principles of openness, inclusiveness and mutual benefit to pursue shared development with Global South countries.

Professor Jiang has played a pivotal role in China's telecommunications development from its early days in 1G to its current global leadership in 5G technology, while also making significant contributions to China's cybersecurity and e-commerce sectors. This lecture provided an excellent platform for participants to deepen their understanding of Global South trade relations and evolving global trade structures. The School of Political Science and Public Administration at Shandong University remains committed to providing high-quality academic resources for its faculty and students, both domestically and internationally. We encourage continued attention to the school’s updates and the "Cooperation and Development" lecture series organized by the Institute of SCO Studies.