The BRICS cooperation mechanism emerged in the context of a collective rise among Global South countries. As BRICS continues to develop, it is better positioned to unite the forces of the Global South, lead its development, safeguard its interests, and amplify its voice on the global stage.
Invited by Russian President Vladimir Putin, President Xi Jinping is set to attend the 16th BRICS Summit in Kazan, Russia, from October 22 to 24. This marks the first leaders’ meeting since the historic expansion of BRICS. China hopes to work collaboratively with all parties to kickstart this major BRICS cooperation, setting a positive tone for a new chapter of unity and development among emerging market and developing nations, thus injecting greater certainty, stability, and positive energy into the world.
Since its inception, the BRICS cooperation mechanism has embraced an open and inclusive spirit, advocating for a win-win approach and serving as a banner for South-South cooperation. Today, our world is entering a turbulent period marked by intertwined security threats and setbacks in economic recovery. The challenges faced by developing countries have become increasingly severe. Last year, BRICS made historic strides in expanding its membership, enhancing its global representation and influence, and bolstering the forces for peace and development worldwide. The BRICS countries held a special video summit on the Israeli-Palestinian issue and defended the rights of developing nations within multilateral frameworks like the G20, underscoring their active and constructive role in international affairs.
The key to the continual growth of BRICS lies in its ability to align with the historical trend and find the right path to cooperation. BRICS countries prioritize peaceful development, advocating for dialogue to resolve disputes, consultation to manage differences, and cooperative efforts to ensure security. They are committed to politically addressing hotspot issues, reflecting the people’s aspirations for a safe and conducive environment. Additionally, BRICS emphasizes development, working hand-in-hand to place development at the forefront of the international agenda while addressing the real difficulties faced by developing countries—aligning with global aspirations for a better life. The countries within BRICS also uphold the principles of true multilateralism, maintaining the United Nations’ core role in the international system and supporting nations in pursuing development paths that suit their unique contexts—echoing the Global South’s demands for equitable development opportunities. Despite the fluctuating international landscape, the foundational goals and desires of BRICS nations remain steadfast.
As a leading alliance of the Global South, BRICS has consistently aligned its fate with that of other countries in this group. The cooperation mechanism is firmly rooted in the collective rise of the Global South, growing stronger in its capability to unite these countries, guide their development, safeguard their interests, and elevate their voices. With over 30 countries expressing interest in joining BRICS, its allure and attractiveness continue to grow. The newly expanded BRICS family should capitalize on its strategic significance to forge a new type of inclusive multilateral cooperation focused on emerging market and developing countries, steering global governance reforms toward a more equitable and just direction.
At this pivotal moment in BRICS’ evolution, China advocates for deepened cooperation across various fields and aims to foster high-quality partnerships that enable BRICS to play a larger role on the international stage. China proposes that BRICS countries champion collective security and strive for lasting peace. These nations should support each other on core interests, enhance coordination on significant international and regional issues, and actively facilitate political resolutions to conflicts. Furthermore, China sees BRICS as a partner in developing nations’ revitalization efforts, promoting this goal as a priority within the global development agenda and leveraging BRICS’ development to uplift the Global South.
China encourages BRICS nations to promote inclusivity, advocating for the coexistence of different civilizations and respecting each country’s chosen path of modernization. The call for upholding and practicing multilateralism will help improve global governance. BRICS should jointly uphold the UN-centered international system, strengthen the WTO’s multi-trade framework, and fully utilize the New Development Bank to facilitate reforms in the international monetary and financial system.
Starting from a new baseline, BRICS is expected to adopt significant responsibilities and make remarkable progress. China stands ready to collaborate with its BRICS partners to embrace the spirit of unity and self-improvement, fostering stable and sustainable cooperation and ushering in a new era of collective resilience among the Global South, ultimately contributing to world peace and development.
