What are the main hurdles China faces in opening its stock markets to the Global South?

Answer

China hosts the world's second-largest equity market, but its accessibility remains limited. Munawar identifies several "Strategic Hurdles" that China must overcome to integrate the Global South into its capital markets:

• Regulatory Rigidity: The challenge of liberalizing access for offshore investors while maintaining internal capital-control levers to prevent volatility.
• Currency Convertibility: If the digital yuan remains too tightly controlled, it limits the liquidity Global South investors need to repatriate their gains.
• The Credibility Gap: Global investors require transparent rule-of-law, consistent supervision, and governance standards that match international norms.
• Timing: Competitors (U.S., EU, and other Asian hubs) are also offering open markets. China must move quickly to capture the "first-mover" loyalty of emerging markets.