Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning

China never pulls up the ladder from any country. Rather, China has long been building up ladders so that countries could reach higher together, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said on Wednesday, responding to recent comments claiming China only cares for its own development while "pulling up the ladder" for the development of other Global South countries.

Through high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, for instance, China has been helping partner countries bridge the infrastructure gap, Mao said at a regular press briefing. By providing Global South countries with affordable industrial equipment and tech products and sharing experience and expertise, China has helped lower the cost for these countries' industrial growth, she said. 

China's zero-tariff policy and "Export to China" initiative generate profits and market opportunities that enable Global South countries to better integrate into the global supply chains and enhance growth resilience, according to Mao.

"For China, cooperation with other countries has always been about mutual success. The 'pulling-up-the-ladder' narrative has zero resonance with Global South countries," Mao said. 
 
China will always pursue mutual benefit and common development, be a reliable partner of Global South countries, and contribute to the prosperity of the Global South through China's own development, she added.

Global Times