South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has raised concerns over escalating global conflicts, urging the G20 to take decisive action in addressing crises that threaten global stability.
Speaking at the G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Johannesburg, he highlighted wars in Ukraine, Gaza, and several African regions as pressing humanitarian concerns.
“The conflicts between Russia and Ukraine, conflict that’s raging in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, in Sudan, in the Sahel, and in Gaza, continue to exact heavy human toll and heighten global insecurity.
“South Africa welcomes the ceasefire agreement reached between Israel and Hamas as a crucial first step towards ending the severe humanitarian crisis faced by the Palestinian people in Gaza.”
President Cyril Ramaphosa
Ramaphosa emphasized the need for global collaboration, urging G20 nations to take a leading role in ensuring peace, climate action, and economic prosperity.
“The G20 needs to play a leading role in the global agenda for people, climate, and prosperity. As we strive towards a common purpose, I think it is important that we should remember that cooperation is our greatest strength. Let us seek to find common ground through constructive engagement. Through the G20, we should be able to set the coordinates of a new cause for human progress.”
President Cyril Ramaphosa
China Calls for Diplomacy Over Military Escalation
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing Beijing’s commitment to global peace and cooperation.
Speaking at the G20 meeting, Wang outlined China’s vision for strengthening diplomatic efforts to resolve conflicts, safeguard sovereignty, and promote stability.
“We should resolve differences between countries peacefully through dialogue and negotiation, and resolve international and regional hotspot issues politically, without resorting to bloc confrontation or interfering in the internal affairs of other countries.”
Wang Yi
Wang reaffirmed China’s longstanding adherence to the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, which emphasize mutual respect, non-interference, and peaceful engagement. These principles, introduced over 70 years ago, remain a cornerstone of China’s foreign policy.
G20’s Role in Strengthening Global Cooperation
Wang also weighed in on the ongoing conflict in Gaza, calling for sustained implementation of the ceasefire agreement. He stressed that the two-state solution remains the only viable path to lasting peace in the region.
Wang further noted that 2025 marks an important milestone for Africa within the G20, as the upcoming summit will be the first held on the continent since the African Union became a full member of the group.
He urged global leaders to prioritize African concerns and work towards lasting peace and development across the region. “We should listen to the voice of Africa, take into account its concerns, support its actions, and make efforts for peace and development on the continent,” he emphasized.
China reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Africa’s ability to handle its own challenges independently, without external interference. “China firmly supports the African people in independently resolving African issues and opposes external interference in the internal affairs of African countries,” Wang added.
Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Guo Jiakun highlighted China’s expectations for the upcoming G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in February 2025. He called for the G20 to foster a spirit of partnership and solidarity in addressing pressing global issues.
“The G20 needs to foster a spirit of partnership and collective action to promote global economic growth and strengthen multilateral cooperation.
“China is ready to collaborate with all parties to make this meeting productive and send a strong message of unity, highlighting the importance of solidarity in addressing the world’s most pressing issues.”
Guo Jiakun
With multiple conflicts raging across different parts of the world, global leaders are being called upon to shift from rhetoric to action. The upcoming G20 summit will test the resolve of major powers in advancing diplomatic solutions, fostering economic cooperation, and ensuring a more stable and just global order.
