“China has an important and attractive market, and the CIIE is incredibly big and diverse. It’s a wonderful opportunity for African businesses to tap into the Chinese market and understand what’s happening in the global market,” said Philip Myburgh, group head of trade at Standard Bank Business and Commercial Banking, in an interview with Xinhua ahead of the 7th CIIE due from Tuesday to Sunday in Shanghai.
Given that Africa sometimes takes a backseat or gets overshadowed by larger economies at global events, Myburgh said they expect more exposure to and attention from the international community.
“We are certainly getting a stronger presence at the CIIE, with the Africa pavilion bringing all made-in-Africa products together,” he said, adding that it’s encouraging to see more emphasis on Africa.
Standard Bank, which has participated in the CIIE since its inception, has hosted many promotional events to strengthen the connection between Africa and China, said the expert.
“We are seeing more diversity and stronger demand for African products showcased in the CIIE, and we are expecting more transactions, more interest, and more deals being signed this year,” he added.
During the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) held in September in Beijing, China committed to further opening its market to African agricultural products, with two protocols signed for the export of greasy wool and dairy products from South Africa to China.
In Myburgh’s opinion, the FOCAC marks a highlight of the China-Africa relationship as many infrastructure and funding projects were announced, and more partnership agreements signed. Meanwhile, the CIIE is a practical showcase of the theoretical and political commitments made at the FOCAC.
Myburgh said China’s efforts to promote high-level opening-up are welcomed by African countries and will boost Africa’s economic recovery and growth.
China plays an important role in helping African countries diversify their economies and boost growth, and has become a key off-taker for African products and a provider of critical technologies for the industrialization and sustainable development of the continent, he said.
Noting that Africa could benefit from more foreign exchange, Myburgh said exports to China could be a critical contributor to Africa’s economic growth.
It’s also crucial for African countries to learn from China when it comes to renewable energy and technologies to save water and conserve energy, said Myburgh, adding that the CIIE has offered a platform for Africans to learn from and collaborate with more important stakeholders.
He was speaking with IGIHE following social media speculation suggesting the presence of Rwandan troops in Maputo.
Anti-government protests have erupted in Maputo since the October 9 presidential election, which saw the ruling Frelimo party secure a victory.
According to official results, Frelimo’s presidential candidate, Daniel Chapo, won with 70.7% of the vote. However, opposition candidate Venancio Mondlane has rejected the results, alleging fraud and calling for public protests.
Amid these events, a social media user shared a video on X, claiming that Rwandan troops were among the security forces confronting protesters.
In response to this claim, Brig Gen Rwivanga clarified in an interview with IGIHE that the information is false, emphasizing that the deployment locations of Rwandan troops are known.
“It’s not true; we are in Cabo Delgado, and all our sectors are well-known: Palma, Mocimboa da Praia, Macomia, and Ancuabe. These are the sectors we were assigned, and the work we’re doing keeps us very busy,” he said.
Rwandan forces are assisting Mozambique’s army in combating militants who launched an armed uprising in 2017.
In response to the escalating violence and displacement, Rwanda began deploying its security forces to Mozambique on July 9, 2021.
Brig Gen Rwivanga clarified that Rwandan troops are currently engaged in managing the remaining rebels scattered across the designated sectors.
“What is happening in Maputo has nothing to do with us. None of our soldiers has set foot there. It’s just rumors,” he stated.
The spokesperson suggested that these rumors might stem from individuals aiming to disrupt peace or and portray the government as incapable.
“But for us, that’s not our concern. We don’t engage in speculation. We simply speak the facts. […] What we want is to ensure our operations are progressing well,” he added.
Before the intervention of Rwandan troops in 2021, the insurgency had claimed the lives of about 3,000 civilians, and more than 800,000 people had been displaced. The insecurity also brought all development projects in the insurgent-controlled areas to a standstill.
Since then, Rwandan security forces, in collaboration with Mozambique’s armed forces, have made substantial progress in dismantling the Al Sunna Wa Jama (ASWJ) terrorist group from their strongholds in Mocimboa da Praia and Palma. This has allowed a significant number of internally displaced people to return to their villages safely.
In addition to Rwanda’s support, Mozambique has also received military assistance from the Southern African Development Community (SADC) since 2021. However, SADC forces began withdrawing in April this year as their mandate approached its conclusion.
Rwanda and Mozambique have maintained strong diplomatic ties for many years, with cooperation agreements across various sectors, including security, trade, and investment.
The two leaders discussed ways to enhance bilateral relations between their nations, as confirmed by Rwanda’s Presidency.
President Kagame arrived in Samoa’s capital on Tuesday evening, where he was welcomed by Deputy Prime Minister Tuala Tevaga Iosefo Ponifasio.
Following his arrival, President Kagame met with Samoa’s Prime Minister, Afioga Fiamē Naomi Mata’afa, to explore avenues for strengthening cooperation between Rwanda and Samoa.
Kagame also met with the Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, Honourable Gaston Browne. The two leaders focused on fostering stronger diplomatic ties and exploring new areas of collaboration across various sectors.
In addition to these discussions, President Kagame attended the Sustainable Markets Initiative (SMI) hosted by King Charles III.
The initiative focuses on sustainable development and climate action, key issues on this year’s agenda.
The Commonwealth, which consists of 56 member countries from all continents, includes 33 small states, of which 25 are island nations. By 2023, the Commonwealth’s population had grown to approximately 2.5 billion people.
President Kagame has served as Chairperson of the Commonwealth since June 2022, after Rwanda successfully hosted CHOGM that year.
This year’s meeting marks the end of Rwanda’s two-year chairmanship, with Samoa set to take over as Chair-In-Office.
Additionally, a new Secretary-General for the Commonwealth is expected to be elected during this year’s summit, replacing Patricia Scotland, who has held the position since March 2016.
CHOGM 2024 is a historic event, being the first-ever meeting held in a Pacific Small Island Developing State and the first since Gabon and Togo officially joined the Commonwealth, raising the total membership to 56 nations.
This year’s discussions will address critical global challenges, including economic, environmental, and security issues.
Leaders are also expected to focus on enhancing resilience, boosting trade, fostering innovation, and empowering the Commonwealth’s youth to build a more peaceful and sustainable future.
The main CHOGM event will take place on October 25, 2024, preceded by side meetings such as the Youth Forum, the Women’s Forum, and the Foreign Ministers’ Meeting on October 24.
Xi made the remarks when addressing the 16th BRICS Summit held in Kazan, Russia.
Russian President Vladimir Putin chaired the summit, which was also attended by Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, the United Arab Emirates’ President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva participated in the summit via video link.
During a small-group meeting, Xi welcomed new members to the BRICS family and invited many countries to become partner countries.
Xi pointed out that the enlargement of BRICS is a major milestone in its development history, and a landmark event in the evolution of the international situation. It is for their shared pursuit and for the overarching trend of peace and development that BRICS countries have come together, he said.
Stressing that the world is undergoing accelerated changes unseen in a century, marked by new trends of multipolarity and the risks of a “new Cold War,” Xi said BRICS countries should seize the historical opportunity, take proactive steps, remain committed to the original aspiration and mission of openness, inclusiveness and win-win cooperation, conform to the general trend of the rise of the Global South, seek common ground while reserving differences, work in concert to further consolidate common values, safeguard common interests, and strengthen BRICS countries through unity.
“We must work together to build BRICS into a primary channel for strengthening solidarity and cooperation among Global South nations and a vanguard for advancing global governance reform,” Xi said.
He stressed that the more turbulent the world is, the more BRICS countries should uphold the banner of peace, development and win-win cooperation, refining the essence of BRICS and demonstrating its strength. BRICS countries should raise the voice of peace, advocating a new path to security that features dialogue over confrontation and partnership over alliance.
Xi urged BRICS countries to jointly pursue a path of development, advocate a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization, and stay committed to the principle of common development. He said BRICS countries should consolidate the foundation of cooperation, deepen cooperation in traditional areas such as agriculture, energy, minerals, economy and trade, expand cooperation in emerging areas such as green, low-carbon and artificial intelligence, and safeguard trade, investment and financial security.
The Chinese president then attended a large-scale meeting, made important statements on BRICS’ future development and put forward five suggestions.
“As the world enters a new period defined by turbulence and transformation, we are confronted with pivotal choices that will shape our future. Should we allow the world to descend into the abyss of disorder and chaos, or should we strive to steer it back on the path of peace and development?” Xi said.
He stressed that the more tumultuous our times become, the more firmly we must stand at the forefront, exhibiting tenacity, demonstrating the audacity to pioneer and displaying the wisdom to adapt, adding that China is willing to work with all BRICS countries to open a new horizon in the high-quality development of greater BRICS cooperation.
“We should build a BRICS committed to peace, and we must all act as defenders of common security,” Xi said. Only by embracing the vision of common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security can we pave the way for universal security, he added.
Xi urged the BRICS countries to uphold the three key principles: no expansion of the battlefields, no escalation of hostilities, and no fanning flames, and strive for swift deescalation of the situation in Ukraine.
He also urged BRICS countries to promote an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, and make unremitting efforts toward a comprehensive, just and lasting resolution of the Palestinian question.
“We should build a BRICS committed to innovation, and we must all act as pioneers of high-quality development,” Xi said. “We must keep pace with the times and foster new quality productive forces.”
Xi said China has recently launched a China-BRICS Artificial Intelligence Development and Cooperation Center, and will establish a BRICS Deep-Sea Resources International Research Center, a China Center for Cooperation on Development of Special Economic Zones in BRICS Countries, a China Center for BRICS Industrial Competencies, and a BRICS Digital Ecosystem Cooperation Network, welcoming active participation from all interested parties.
“We should build a BRICS committed to green development, and we must all act as promoters of sustainable development,” Xi said.
He noted that China’s high-quality production capacity, as exemplified by its electric vehicles, lithium batteries and photovoltaic products, provides a significant boost to global green development.
Xi said China is willing to expand cooperation with BRICS countries in green industries, clean energy and green mining, and promote green development through the entire industrial chain, so as to increase the “green quotient” of our cooperation and upgrade the quality of our development.
“We should build a BRICS committed to justice, and we must all act as forerunners in reforming global governance,” Xi said.
He said the international power dynamics is undergoing profound changes, but global governance reform has lagged behind for a long time, urging BRICS countries to champion true multilateralism and adhere to the vision of global governance characterized by extensive consultation, joint contribution, and shared benefits.
Xi said BRICS countries must ensure that global governance reform is guided by the principles of fairness, justice, openness and inclusiveness, and enhance the representation and voice of developing nations in global governance.
Xi said BRICS countries should promote the connectivity of financial infrastructure, apply high standards of financial security, expand and strengthen the New Development Bank, ensuring that the international financial system more effectively reflects the changes in the global economic landscape.
“We should build a BRICS committed to closer people-to-people exchanges, and we must all act as advocates for harmonious coexistence among all civilizations,” Xi said.
Stressing that it is important that BRICS countries promote the spirit of inclusiveness and harmonious coexistence among civilizations and enhance the exchange of governance experiences among BRICS countries, Xi said he is delighted to see that the initiative for BRICS digital education cooperation has become a reality, and China will implement a capacity-building program for BRICS digital education, open 10 learning centers in BRICS countries in the next five years, and provide training opportunities for 1,000 local education administrators, teachers and students.
China is willing to work with BRICS countries to open a new horizon in the high-quality development of greater BRICS cooperation, and jointly promote the building of a community with a shared future for mankind, Xi concluded.
Under the theme of “Strengthening Multilateralism for Just Global Development and Security,” the participating leaders exchanged in-depth views on BRICS cooperation and major international issues of common interest.
The leaders made positive comments on the development of BRICS institutions and the important role they have played in addressing global challenges, expressing the belief that BRICS countries, with their large population, rich resources, huge development potential, growing appeal and international influence, have become a model of multilateralism.
They called on BRICS countries to uphold the BRICS spirit, strengthen solidarity and coordination, deepen the strategic partnership within greater BRICS, enhance cooperation in politics and security, economy, trade and finance, people-to-people and cultural exchanges, promote an equal and orderly multipolar world, a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization, and sustainable development of the world, and further increase the voice and representation of the Global South in international affairs, and promote the building of a more just and equitable international order.
The leaders vowed to safeguard multilateralism, uphold the core role of the United Nations in the international system, and support the United Nations in playing an important role in global governance such as artificial intelligence.
They also expressed commitment to peacefully resolving disputes through dialogue and consultation, support all efforts conducive to a peaceful settlement of crisis, and respect the legitimate security concerns of all countries.
The leaders agreed to promote reform of the existing international economic and financial architecture and build the New Development Bank into a new type of multilateral development bank for the 21st century.
They also commended the UN General Assembly for adopting relevant resolutions on the China-proposed International Day for Dialogue among Civilizations, calling for respect for the diversity of world civilizations and strengthening exchanges and mutual learning among different civilizations.
The Kazan Declaration of the 16th BRICS Summit was issued and the establishment of BRICS partners was announced at the summit.
During the summit, the BRICS leaders also heard reports on the work of President of the New Development Bank Dilma Rousseff and other heads of BRICS institutions.
Home to over 10 million Uygur Muslims and 47 ethnic groups, it’s a true cultural melting pot, shaped by its history as a vital hub of the ancient Silk Road.
From the awe-inspiring Taklamakan Desert to the serene beauty of Kanas Lake, and the vibrant city of Urumqi, Xinjiang is a treasure trove for travelers seeking both adventure and tranquility.
Whether it’s the fiery Flaming Mountains or the peaceful grasslands dotted with traditional yurts, the reality on the ground is a province full of life, color, and captivating stories that go far beyond the misconceptions.
Ready to discover a side of Xinjiang the world rarely shows? Here are 15 interesting facts about Xinjiang:
{{1. Urumqi, the world’s most remote city from the Sea}}
Urumqi, the capital of Xinjiang which recently hosted the 6th World Media Summit, holds the distinct honor of being the city furthest from any sea or ocean in the world.
It is located about 2,500 kilometers from the nearest coastline. Despite its geographical remoteness, Urumqi is a major city in western China and a vibrant center of culture, commerce, and tourism.
{{2. A land of ethnic diversity}}
Xinjiang is home to 47 different ethnic groups, with the Uygurs being the largest group, making up about 48% (over 10 million) of the population.
However, many other ethnicities also call this region home, including Han Chinese, Kazakhs, Hui Muslims, and others.
This rich mix of cultures gives Xinjiang its unique character, as these groups coexist while maintaining their own distinct traditions, languages, and religious practices.
{{3. Silk Road Legacy}}
Xinjiang’s history is intertwined with the famous Silk Road, an ancient trade route that connected China to Europe and the Middle East.
This route that passed through this province facilitated not only the exchange of goods but also ideas, religions, and cultures.
Cities like Kashgar became vital trading hubs, where merchants from distant lands met to trade silk, spices, and other goods. This historic connection to the Silk Road has made Xinjiang a melting pot of cultures and religions.
{{4. Sharing borders with eight countries}}
Geographically, Xinjiang shares borders with eight countries, more than any other region in China.
These countries include Mongolia, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and India.
This location makes Xinjiang a key strategic area for China and contributes to the rich cultural and economic exchanges that have shaped the region’s history.
{{5. A unique time zone difference}}
Though all of China officially runs on Beijing Time, Xinjiang operates on its own unofficial schedule due to its distance from the capital.
Xinjiang is two hours behind Beijing, and locals often adjust their routines accordingly.
People typically start work at 11 a.m., eat lunch at 2 p.m., and leave work at 7 p.m., with daylight lasting until well into the evening in the summer months.
{{6. China’s largest provincial region}}
Spanning 1.66 million square kilometers, Xinjiang covers one-sixth of China’s total territory.
The region’s vastness is mirrored by the diversity of its geography, which includes deserts, mountains, grasslands, and lakes.
Bayinbuluk is the second-largest grassland in China, offering a glimpse of
nomadic life with yurts, grazing herds, and Swan Lake, home to thousands of swans and
migratory birds.
It also has the longest international borders of any province in China, making it a crucial gateway to Central Asia.
{{7. The land of extreme landscapes}}
Xinjiang is a region of contrasts when it comes to its landscapes. It is home to the Taklamakan Desert, China’s largest shifting desert and the second-largest in the world, known as the “Sea of Death.”
On the other hand, it also boasts K2, the second-highest mountain in the world at 8,611 meters (28,251 feet) above sea level.
Furthermore, the region contains Aydingkol Lake in Turpan, the second-lowest point on Earth at 155 meters (509 feet) below sea level.
{{8. One of China’s main fruit-producing regions}}
Xinjiang’s unique climate—long sunny days and significant temperature differences between day and night—makes it an ideal place for growing fruits.
The region is famous for its Hami melons, Turpan seedless grapes, Korla pears, and Ili apples.
It also produces cotton, lavender, and other agricultural products like tomatoes, mutton, beef, and jujube. This agricultural richness has made Xinjiang an essential part of China’s food supply.
{{9. A hub of religious diversity}}
Thanks to its long history and diverse population, Xinjiang is a region where multiple religions thrive.
Islam, which is the dominant religion among the Uygurs, coexists with Buddhism, Taoism, Christianity, and Eastern Orthodoxy.
This religious diversity is reflected in the region’s architecture, with mosques, Buddhist temples, and Christian churches all present in the region.
{{10. Traditional cuisine}}
Xinjiang’s cuisine reflects the cultural influences of its various ethnic groups. The region is known for its hearty meat dishes, especially lamb.
One of its most famous dishes is “Polo,” a pilaf made with rice, lamb, carrots, and various spices.
Another beloved dish is “Dapanji,” a spicy chicken stew often served with hand-pulled noodles. For vegetarians, Xinjiang offers dishes like mung bean salad and vegetable Polo, proving that the region’s cuisine caters to all tastes.
{{11. Kanas Lake and its legendary monster}}
In northern Xinjiang lies Kanas Lake, a stunning alpine lake surrounded by Siberian forests and rolling grasslands.
The lake’s beauty has inspired legends, including the tale of a mysterious lake monster similar to the Loch Ness Monster. For decades of years, legends of an enormous water monster in the lake have captured the imagination of locals and visitors.
Whether or not the monster exists, Kanas Lake remains a top destination for travelers, offering breathtaking views and plenty of opportunities for hiking, photography, and wildlife spotting.
{{12. It has the longest airline routes in China}}
Xinjiang currently has 16 airports, the most of all provinces and regions in China. This is naturally because of the fact that it is the largest province-level division of China.
The region’s vast distances make air travel essential, and the government has invested heavily in building roads, airports, and railways to ensure Xinjiang remains well-connected to the rest of China and beyond.
{{13. Extreme temperatures}}
Xinjiang is known for its dramatic temperature swings. It’s not uncommon for temperatures to drop significantly at night after a hot day.
Locals often say that in Xinjiang, you can wear a fur coat in the morning and a t-shirt by the afternoon.
This large daily temperature variation is particularly evident in the Turpan Basin, one of the hottest places in China, where temperatures can reach up to 47.8°C (118°F).
{{14. Mineral riches}}
Xinjiang is home to more than 80% of China’s discovered mineral types,
including nephrite jade, making it an important part of the country’s economy.
{{15. Tourism boom}}
In recent years, Xinjiang has become a major tourist destination, attracting millions of visitors from both within China and abroad.
Between January and September 2024 alone, the region welcomed 245 million tourists, contributing over 287.58 billion yuan (around 40.4 billion U.S. dollars) to the economy.
Visitors flock to Xinjiang to experience its stunning landscapes, such as Tianchi Lake, the Taklamakan Desert, and the Pamirs Plateau, Flaming Mountain as well as its vibrant bazaars and rich cultural heritage among others.
Xinjiang’s unique geography, rich history, and vibrant cultures make it a must-visit destination for travelers looking to experience the true diversity of China.
In a recent interview with Xinhua, Saad said that China’s proposal in 2017 to create a BRICS Plus platform, which was aimed at enhancing cooperation with other emerging markets and developing countries, has opened “new space for new countries to join the bloc.”
The benefits of China’s proposal became evident when new countries joined BRICS, while more than 30 other countries have either formally applied for or expressed interest in its membership, he added.
The Egyptian official attributed the mechanism’s success in attracting more countries to the reliability of the leading BRICS members, especially China.
He noted that the values upheld by BRICS resonate with countries in the Global South, emphasizing China’s leadership in areas such as economy, finance, good governance, and multilateralism characterized by equity and justice.
“China is believed to be the true and trusted voice of developing countries and emerging markets,” he said.
Among other achievements, BRICS has established two important cooperation mechanisms: the New Development Bank (NDB) and the Contingent Reserve Arrangement (CRA). The latter provides support for countries facing financial emergencies.
“All these arrangements, meetings, and summits provide an institutional framework for member states to promote coordination and interaction,” Saad said.
Saad cited Egypt as an example of the countries that benefited from their interaction with BRICS before officially joining it. He stressed Egypt’s participation in BRICS summits since 2017, its membership in the NDB, and its enhanced cooperation with China, Russia, and India in several sectors.
He said the BRICS spirit reflects the principles that China and other founding countries have long championed, adding that the group was established in a world marked by unfairness and contradictions.
Saad perceived the growing number of requests for joining BRICS as a sign of resentment over the Western hegemony, hypocrisy, double standards, and disregard for multilateralism and UN principles.
“Each society has its heritage, culture, and traditions that should be respected. So, it is not logical anymore when the West believes it can monopolize global economic or financial order,” he said.
Looking ahead to the upcoming BRICS summit in Russia on Oct. 22-24, Saad expressed optimism that it would carry out new initiatives or plans to promote world justice.
Zukiswa Roboji, a researcher at Walter Sisulu University in South Africa, made the remarks in a recent interview with Xinhua ahead of the upcoming BRICS summit in Kazan, Russia, from Oct. 22 to 24.
“BRICS has undoubtedly made notable strides in recent years,” said Roboji. “One of the most significant achievements is expanding the group to include more nations, showcasing its growing appeal and relevance in a shifting geopolitical landscape.”
Roboji said the BRICS mechanism offers emerging economies easier access to financial resources and better opportunities for trade, investment and development.
The expert noted that the New Development Bank has funded critical infrastructure projects in Global South countries, helping them address pressing development challenges. She said this has empowered those countries by giving them access to much-needed funding while allowing them to maintain greater independence over their own development paths.
BRICS represents a shift toward multipolarity, appealing to nations seeking to diversify relations and reduce reliance on Western powers, according to Roboji.
Its commitment to multilateralism and global governance reform “aligns with the interests of emerging economies aiming to have a stronger voice in international decision-making,” said Roboji.
“Additionally, BRICS focuses on cooperation in technology, energy and climate change, making it an attractive partner for countries seeking sustainable growth while addressing global challenges,” she said.
As the group expands, she added, “its potential to reshape global economic and political dynamics continues to draw interest from nations looking for strategic alignment beyond the traditional power centers.”
In this context, Roboji explained, BRICS has become an increasingly important platform for Global South countries.
BRICS has increasingly extended its outreach to African nations, facilitating investments and partnerships in sectors like energy, infrastructure and technology, she said.
“For instance, the Belt and Road Initiative, supported by BRICS cooperation, has led to significant infrastructure development in African countries,” said Roboji. “This partnership boosts Africa’s economic growth and reduces its dependency on Western aid and investment, allowing African nations to negotiate more equitable terms and foster South-South cooperation.”
The expert said that BRICS has provided concrete benefits to Global South countries by fostering unity, enhancing their representation in global governance, and promoting more just and sustainable development pathways.
“Through economic initiatives, advocacy for institutional reform, and principled stands on sovereignty and non-interference, BRICS has become an essential platform for addressing the aspirations and challenges of the Global South,” Roboji said.
The newly expanded group is expected to strengthen cooperation among nations of the Global South and advance efforts to face those challenges and improve global governance toward greater equity and inclusiveness.
BRICS is not merely a political or economic cooperation mechanism but a platform for diverse nations to work together on common goals of development and prosperity. Its expansion reflects the consensus within the Global South that a wider array of voices must be included in addressing the complex issues facing the world today.
This inclusive approach offers a valuable complement to existing global institutions. While organizations such as the United Nations and the World Bank remain crucial, BRICS brings new energy and perspectives by prioritizing the needs and aspirations of the Global South.
A key contribution of BRICS lies in its efforts to advance inclusive economic globalization. For decades, the benefits of global economic growth have disproportionately flowed to the West, leaving much of the developing world on the margins. Closer and enlarged BRICS cooperation promises to rebalance this dynamic by promoting investment, infrastructure development, and trade that align with the specific priorities of the Global South.
The expansion of BRICS further reinforces its commitment to inclusiveness by bringing in new members from diverse political and economic backgrounds, ensuring that underrepresented regions have a greater voice in global affairs.
BRICS’ dedication to inclusiveness, common development, and shared progress also demonstrates a commitment to strengthening multilateralism at a time when global cooperation is in dire need. As geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainties grow, the ability of diverse nations to come together and find common ground is more important than ever.
Since its inception, BRICS has prioritized open dialogue, consensus-building, and mutual respect, principles essential for addressing complex global challenges such as climate change, public health crises, and sustainable development. As the BRICS family is growing bigger, this collaborative approach not only deepens trust among member nations but also ensures that their solutions meet the needs and aspirations of the Global South.
As BRICS grows, it plays a more critical role in fostering more inclusive and equitable global governance. In a world that increasingly demands cooperation, the expanded BRICS offers a vision grounded in the belief that common development and sustainable progress require collaboration among nations, large and small.
As the challenges of the 21st century become more intertwined, the world needs platforms like BRICS that bring more nations together to figure out feasible solutions and build a sustainable future for all.
Commenting on this summit, Al Jazeera said that leading countries of the Global South are looking for “a greater say in a global order dominated by the West.” Steven Gruzd, an analyst at the South African Institute of International Affairs, said: “It does reflect on the growing assertiveness and confidence of the BRICS grouping, not waiting for the West.”
BRICS is an important force in shaping the international landscape. Advancing a more just and equitable international order has been a consistent theme in Xi’s remarks on BRICS cooperation.
Effective coordination between BRICS members and other Global South countries is “adding more bricks to the global governance architecture,” said Wang Lei, the Chinese expert with Beijing Normal University.
The New Development Bank (NDB) exemplifies this effort. “The establishment of the bank serves as a beneficial supplement and improvement to the existing financial system,” Xi said, “which can encourage deeper reflection and more active reforms in the global financial system.”
During a meeting with Dilma Rousseff, former Brazilian President and incumbent NDB chief, in Beijing in 2023, Xi called on the NDB to help with the modernization of more developing countries. Rousseff shares Xi’s vision. “It is a vision that we don’t want BRICS to speak just for a few countries. What we want is for most countries to be part of BRICS,” she told Xinhua.
As Xi has observed, strengthening global governance is the right choice if the international community intends to share development opportunities and tackle global challenges.
“Economically, non-Western nations — with BRICS at the vanguard — are pushing the globe into a new reality: An emerging economic, social, and monetary status quo that is upending what the world has accepted as normal for nearly eight decades,” Jeff D. Opdyke, a global investment expert, has observed.
To Guan Zhaoyu, a research fellow with the Eurasian Studies Institute at Renmin University of China, BRICS cooperation “is neither anti-Western nor aimed at overthrowing the existing global order, but rather constructively reforming its unfair aspects to give more opportunities to the developing world.”
Xi maintains that development is an inalienable right of all countries, not a privilege of a few countries. Under his grand vision to build a community with a shared future for mankind, China has been joining hands with other developing countries in advancing their respective modernization.
China will always be a member of the Global South and the developing world, Xi has said on various occasions.
“President Xi has sent out a very clear message: China will unite with other emerging markets and developing countries in the process of global modernization and make sure no one is left behind,” said Guan.
