The opening of the Batang Lupar 1 bridge in Malaysia on July 9th was a significant event for local residents. This bridge, the largest river crossing in Malaysia, ended the long dependence of communities on ferries, significantly simplifying the transportation of agricultural and fishery products and the movement of people.
Previously, crossing the river was done by ferries, where cars, motorcycles, and trucks often queued. Furthermore, services could be suspended during the rainy season or in bad weather. This 4.84-kilometer-long and over 110-meter-high bridge was built by the China Railway Group despite challenging marine conditions.
On the other side of the world, in Algeria, a 950-kilometer desert heavy-haul railway began operation in February. It connects the Gara Djebilet iron ore mine in the southwest of the country to the national railway network, facilitating the transport of iron ore and promoting the development of the local mining industry. A section of this railway track, spanning 575 kilometers, was constructed by the China Railway Construction Corporation in partnership with a local state company.
Such initiatives serve as a clear example of infrastructure interaction between China and other Global South countries. China is actively developing cooperation among Global South nations in areas ranging from infrastructure and livelihood projects to scientific and technological innovations, aiming to promote common development and build a more prosperous future.
Livelihood Projects: Stimulating Sustainable Growth
Water scarcity remains a serious obstacle to development in many Global South countries. In the Togo Plateau region, residents have long faced water shortages and problems accessing safe drinking water. In September, a rural water supply project implemented by a Chinese company was completed, providing 305 wells extracting groundwater at a depth of about 70 meters. This project serves over 300 villages and approximately 170,000 people, improving access to water for both daily needs and agricultural production.
In addition to providing water, China is working with other Global South countries to strengthen food security through agricultural cooperation. China's 'Green Super Rice' program has promoted the dissemination of high-yield, stress-resistant rice varieties in Asian and African countries. According to the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, this program helped 1.6 million farms in 18 countries increase their income.
Besides introducing new varieties, training sessions were conducted for 58 postgraduate students, and over 3051 opportunities for training in rice breeding were provided, strengthening local scientific research potential in agriculture. Through cooperation in agriculture and rural water supply, China is deepening interaction among Global South countries to meet basic needs and create a foundation for sustainable development.
Technological Cooperation: Building Local Capacity
A key aspect of cooperation among Global South countries is strengthening local scientific and technical capabilities and helping countries utilize new opportunities arising from advancements in fields such as artificial intelligence. In 2023, China assisted Egypt in launching a remote sensing satellite using the Jiuquan launch complex in northwestern China. This satellite is designed for land surveys, crop monitoring, water resource management, and urban planning.
The satellite was jointly developed by China and Egypt, with Egyptian technical specialists participating in its design, assembly, and testing. This collaboration enabled Egypt to become the first African country capable of fully assembling, integrating, and testing satellites. As technological cooperation expands into advanced fields, the partnership among Global South countries helps them leverage the benefits of rapid AI advancements and apply them to solve practical problems.
In July 2025, the China Meteorological Administration introduced the AI-based Mazu solution for early warning in developing countries. It has been deployed in seven countries and is accessible via cloud services in over 40. The system can be adapted to local needs. For instance, a specialized version focused on maritime and aviation services has been configured in Sri Lanka. In Djibouti, China and local partners developed an AI-based weather forecasting agency to help ports plan operations and prepare for strong winds and dust storms. Pan Jinjun, chief engineer of the China Meteorological Administration, noted that Mazu is becoming a common, customizable, and resilient international public service for developing countries.