The Global South is no longer the "silent majority", but a key force for reforming the international order, and China will always act as a crucial force for development and prosperity of the Global South, Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Thursday.

The Global South takes up over 40 percent of the world economy, changing the global economic landscape in a profound way, Wang said at a news conference.

He stressed that independence is the distinct quality of the Global South and seeking strength through unity is its tradition.

This year will be a year of harvest of Global South cooperation, and a new starting point for unity among Asian, African and Latin American countries, he said.

China looks forward to continuing to promote unity and cooperation among developing countries to augment the strength of the south and to jointly create a shining "South moment" in global governance, Wang said.