BEIJING: “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?”
Chinese President Xi Jinping posed this question during his speech at the 16th BRICS Summit in Kazan, Russia, on Wednesday, and soon provided his answer. He proposed five key points to build BRICS into an organization that takes the lead in promoting peace, innovation, green development, global justice and closer international people-to-people exchanges.
He also urged BRICS countries to build the mechanism into a primary channel for strengthening solidarity and cooperation among Global South nations and a vanguard for advancing global governance reform. Xi’s address came as BRICS leaders gathered to discuss a wide range of topics, including UN reform, regional tensions, financial security, global supply chains, climate change, and emerging technologies like AI. Experts said Xi’s ideas address the common challenges humanity faces today, providing a roadmap for Global South cooperation and fresh insights for nations pursuing modernization.
Balew Demissie, a researcher at the Ethiopian Policy Studies Institute, highlighted the significance of the BRICS mechanism in this era, stating that Xi’s speech will help strengthen unity among BRICS countries and enhance mutual understanding and trust. This, he added, will ensure the long-term development of BRICS cooperation and bolster the capabilities of emerging markets and developing nations. Over the past 18 years, China has played a central role in enhancing trade and investment among BRICS member states, advocating for the reform of international institutions like the UN and the IMF, and amplifying the voices of the Global South. At the summit on Wednesday, Xi announced that China has 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.
He also pledged to leverage China’s green technologies to expand cooperation with BRICS countries in green industries, clean energy and green mining, and promote green development through the entire industrial chain. –The Daily Mail-CGTN news exchange item
