Create a new era of BRICS cooperation and write a new chapter of unity and development in the Global South – President Xi Jinping’s trip to Kazan, Russia to attend the 16th BRICS Leaders’ Meeting

As autumn deepens, the vast plains of Eastern Europe come alive with vibrant colors. The winding Volga, Kazan, and Kama rivers converge in Kazan, Russia. Upon the invitation of President Vladimir Putin, Chinese President Xi Jinping is set to visit Kazan from October 22 to 24 for the sixteenth BRICS summit.

Over the past 18 years, BRICS has navigated turbulent waters, forging a wide path characterized by mutual respect and cooperation. China has consistently embraced an open, inclusive, and win-win spirit, collaborating with BRICS partners to craft remarkable stories of development among nations with differing systems, cultures, and regions. This partnership has propelled the BRICS cooperation mechanism to new heights, positioning it as a constructive force for world peace, shared development, improved global governance, and the democratization of international relations.

The year 2024 marks the inaugural year of the “Big BRICS Cooperation.” Following the historic expansion of the “BRICS family,” President Xi will meet face-to-face with other BRICS leaders for the first time to chart a blueprint for the future of BRICS cooperation. This meeting will inject new vitality into the world’s multipolarity, economic globalization, and democratization of international relations, as these nations unite to compose a new chapter of solidarity and development for the Global South.

A Steady Start: “Big BRICS Cooperation” on a New Horizon

“BRICS nations are vital forces shaping the international landscape. We choose our paths to development independently, defend our rights to develop collectively, and strive towards modernization, reflecting the direction of human progress,” President Xi emphasized during the fifteenth BRICS summit in Johannesburg in August 2023, underlining the significance and value of BRICS cooperation in the current era.

Born out of the collective rise of emerging markets and developing countries, the BRICS cooperation mechanism has developed a multi-tiered and multifaceted framework over nearly 20 years. Since 2013, President Xi has presided over or participated in numerous BRICS leaders’ meetings, articulating China’s proposals and schemes at key milestones in the cooperation mechanism’s evolution, guiding the BRICS ship towards a stable and sustained journey.

With the accession of Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the UAE, Iran, and Ethiopia on January 1 of this year, the “Big BRICS Cooperation” officially began, drawing significant global attention.

In the face of unprecedented global challenges, including deficits in peace, development, security, and governance, the world looks forward to hearing a stronger voice from BRICS, expecting it to play an even greater role.

The cohesiveness of BRICS stems from its unwavering commitment to development and mutually beneficial cooperation. “Development embodies the people’s aspirations for a better life; it is the primary task for developing nations and an eternal theme of human society,” President Xi reiterated the importance of development at the 2023 South Africa “BRICS+” Leaders Dialogue.

With ten member states, BRICS now accounts for roughly 30% of global GDP, nearly half of the world’s population, and one-fifth of global trade. China continues to deepen mutually beneficial cooperation with BRICS partners, with a year-on-year increase of over 11% in trade during the first quarter of this year.

According to Ahmed Ali, a researcher at the Gulf Research Center in Dubai, the BRICS cooperation mechanism has become a key engine driving global economic recovery and maintaining world peace and stability, thanks to its stable economic growth and broad cooperation opportunities.

Ethiopian scholar Balew Demissie noted that joining the BRICS family is expected to significantly boost Ethiopia’s economic and social development through enhanced growth, investment opportunities, and trade relationships.

The driving force behind BRICS cooperation lies in mutual belief in fairness and justice and improved global governance. “We have coordinated our stance and taken action on the Palestinian issue, setting a positive precedent for the expanded ‘Big BRICS Cooperation,’” President Xi stated during a special video summit in November 2023, indicating a collective voice advocating for international fairness and justice amid critical global issues.

Moreover, Brazilian law scholar Evandro Carvalho highlighted that China and other BRICS nations’ collaboration strongly defends multilateralism and advances the democratization of international relations.

The appeal of the BRICS cooperation mechanism is rooted in its open and inclusive spirit, advocating win-win partnerships. “BRICS is not a closed club, nor an exclusive ‘little circle,’ but rather a family of mutual support and collaborative partners,” President Xi explained, revealing the enduring vitality of the BRICS cooperation despite changing circumstances.

Since its inception of the “BRICS+” cooperation model, which included global partners, to its recent historic expansion, BRICS has gained weight, significance, and influence. Over 30 nations have expressed interest in joining, reflecting the mechanism’s growing allure and impact.

Elshad Mammadov, head of the Innovation Economy Research Center at Azerbaijan Technical University, described BRICS as an attractive and mutually beneficial cooperation platform that respects the interests of all parties involved.

Detailing China’s Mark on BRICS Cooperation

In Shanghai’s Pudong district, the 150-meter-tall New Development Bank headquarters stands as a symbol of BRICS unity. This flagship project, overseen personally by President Xi, has provided robust support for infrastructure development and sustainable growth in developing countries since its establishment in 2015.

From advocating for the establishment of this bank to promoting the “BRICS+” model, from outlining the four key partnerships among BRICS nations to fostering new industrial revolution partnerships, China has left an indelible mark on the BRICS journey. By actively collaborating with BRICS partners, China has pushed forward global development initiatives, safety measures, and cultural outreach, drawing widespread resonance and support.

Currently, BRICS cooperation is at a pivotal stage, bridging the past and the future. China and its partners are expanding the “BRICS+” cooperation model, enriching the cooperation framework across political security, economic finance, and cultural exchanges as they embark on a new journey together.

“We need to seize the trends, lead the direction, uphold our commitment to collective strength, strengthen cooperation across various fields, advance high-quality partnerships, and work towards a new era in global governance,” President Xi urged the BRICS family to unite and play a key role in stabilizing the world.

BRICS nations actively utilize their cooperation platform, mutually supporting one another on critical issues of core interest, enhancing coordination on major international and regional challenges, and injecting new momentum into the political solutions for pressing international problems.

As the First Deputy Chair of the Russian State Duma and Chair of the Russia-China Friendship Association, Melnikov noted that as the BRICS cooperation mechanism expands in participant numbers and modes of collaboration, the opportunities facing BRICS countries also increase, ensuring their growing influence on the global stage.

Development is an inalienable right of all countries. During the fifteenth BRICS summit, President Xi announced several proactive initiatives reflective of contemporary trends and innovation, including the establishment of a “China-BRICS New Era Science and Technology Innovation Incubator,” exploration of a “Global Remote Sensing Satellite Data and Application Cooperation Platform,” creation of a cooperative mechanism for sustainable industries, and an advocacy to further expand cooperation in artificial intelligence.

The “China-BRICS New Era Science and Technology Innovation Incubator” has already launched, and the China-BRICS Artificial Intelligence Development and Cooperation Center has been established. From hosting BRICS new industrial revolution forums to organizing industrial innovation competitions, and initiating China’s first BRICS city cross-border e-commerce cargo airline, China and its BRICS partners are advancing practical cooperation and deepening mutual benefits.

“Cultural diversity and diverse paths to development should be the norm of the world,” President Xi remarked at various BRICS events, emphasizing the significance of promoting cultural dialogue among BRICS nations.

Recent years have witnessed vibrant cultural exchanges among BRICS nations, featuring engaging activities such as film festivals, sports events, co-produced films, and documentaries, all building bridges of mutual understanding. In July, the “First International Youth Poetry Conference – BRICS Special” was inaugurated in Hangzhou, gathering 72 poets from BRICS nations for a literary celebration. In mid-September, at the BRICS Media Summit in Moscow, leaders from over 60 media organizations discussed their role in promoting stability and cooperation in a multipolar world, thereby contributing to international dialogue. Later, the “Panda Theatre’s” “BRICS Broadcasting Season” was launched in Moscow, showcasing over 200 hours of Chinese-themed films and TV programs for an international audience.

UAE political commentator Ahmad Hamadi noted that the rich cultural exchanges have deepened ties among BRICS nations, bringing member nations closer and establishing a “BRICS model” for promoting mutual understanding among civilizations.

Looking forward, the BRICS nations are increasingly solidifying their role as a significant force in shaping international paradigms and maintaining global stability. The BRICS cooperation mechanism serves as an essential platform for emerging markets and developing countries to enhance solidarity, showcasing the core interests of the Global South.

At the 2023 “BRICS+” leaders’ dialogue, President Xi emphasized that the international community should prioritize collective benefits and the hearts of the people, pushing development issues back to the forefront of the international agenda. He urged enhanced representation and voice for developing countries in global governance while advocating for genuine multipolarity that fosters partnerships for global development, creating a secure environment for shared progress.

The BRICS cooperation mechanism thrives on collective efforts, empowering global southern nations to engage more dynamically in world affairs and collaboratively forging a framework for global peace and development. As a critical advocate for BRICS cooperation, China consistently aligns with developing countries, providing new opportunities for global advancement.

“China has played a leadership role in the ongoing development of the BRICS cooperation mechanism,” noted Zukiswa Robogi, a researcher at South Africa’s Walter Sisulu University, emphasizing BRICS’ impact on fostering unity among southern nations and enhancing their global influence, significantly aided by China’s contributions.

Bonn Nagara, a senior researcher at the Asia-Pacific Belt and Road Initiative Consortium, pointed out that China’s genuine multilateralism and efforts to advance southern nations’ modernization have instilled confidence and provided vital support for the world.

Amidst cultural dialogue series held in Kazan, over 300 representatives from BRICS nations, including scholars and youth leaders, participated in discussions highlighting the importance of unity in creating a brighter future.

Former Brazilian President and New Development Bank President Dilma Rousseff reflected that “Today’s China exemplifies the aspirations of global southern nations,” commending China’s advocacy for more just and effective global governance that is paving the way for a shared fate and promising future.

Though the road is long, we shall surely arrive; although the task is challenging, it is attainable. Standing at this new starting point, China will continue to sail alongside its BRICS partners, adhering to the vision of building a community with a shared future, deepening cooperation in various fields, actively addressing common challenges, and charting new paths for “Big BRICS Cooperation,” steering the BRICS ship towards the shores of modernization.