China reaffirmed on Thursday its commitment to multilateralism and global cooperation while supporting South Africa in its role as rotating president of the Group of 20 (G20).

Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Guo Jiakun reiterated that the forum is a key platform for international economic cooperation.

“The G20 should promote partnership, boost global economic growth, and steer global governance toward a fairer and more balanced path,” the spokesperson stated.

Guo emphasized support for South Africa, which is hosting the G20’s Foreign Ministers’ meeting that Foreign Minister Wang Yi attends.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio did not attend the event, as the US government said it was not interested in the meeting’s agenda and questioned the African country’s positions on several issues.

Contrary to this US trend, “China will continue to support efforts to promote common development and global prosperity,” Guo said.

“We hope the G20 will remain a space for constructive cooperation among its members,” he added.

According to experts, Washington’s absence in Johannesburg could be aimed not only at damaging South Africa’s reputation as an effective negotiator but also at destroying the G20 as a global reference body.