electra-supply.comOn October 23, at the 16th BRICS summit held in Kazan, Russia, President Xi Jinping delivered a significant speech. He emphasized that in face of the escalating challenges of our times, it is crucial for us to boldly stand at the forefront, demonstrating resilience, courage, and adaptability, as we collectively compose a new chapter in the high-quality development of “Big BRICS Cooperation.”
This year marks the inaugural year for “Big BRICS Cooperation.” Following its expansion, the member countries’ combined population, GDP, and trade volumes have increased their proportion within the global landscape, consolidating a broader, deeper, and more powerful alliance.
The transition from “BRICS” to “Big BRICS” not only reflects an increase in the number of member countries but also embodies the profound value of Xi Jinping’s diplomatic thought in today’s era.
“True strength lies in inclusivity,” Xi stated. At the fifth BRICS leaders’ meeting in 2013, he highlighted the importance of respecting the sovereign rights of nations to choose their own social systems and development paths, affirming that all countries, regardless of size or strength, are equal members of the international community.
A decade later, at the 15th BRICS summit, President Xi reiterated the call for BRICS nations to embody the spirit of inclusiveness. This commitment to openness has always been a defining feature of BRICS cooperation.
In the lead-up to the Kazan summit, discussions about “more than 30 countries applying to join the BRICS mechanism” and the growing popularity of BRICS became hot topics in international media. Experts noted that this interest reflects a strong global resonance with the BRICS nations’ dedication to openness and win-win cooperation.
During his speech at the 16th BRICS summit, Xi proposed the construction of a “Cultural BRICS,” positioning it as an advocate for civilizational coexistence, gaining accolades from representatives of various countries. A political commentator from the UAE’s Al-Ittihad pointed out that China’s global civilization initiative, promoting diverse cultural exchange and understanding, showcases an expansive vision that contributes to bridging civilizational divides and resolving conflicts.
Just as the ocean can embrace countless rivers, the significance of “Big BRICS Cooperation” lies in its commitment to openness and inclusivity, advocating for peaceful coexistence among different civilizations and respecting each nation’s choice of modernization paths. This reflects both China’s broad-mindedness and the magnetism of the BRICS cooperation mechanism.
President Xi also emphasized that “the path to the good life for 3 billion people in BRICS countries is long, requiring both self-reliance and strengthened collaboration among member states.” During the fifth BRICS summit in Durban in 2013, he elaborated on the essence of BRICS development—deepening mutually beneficial cooperation for win-win outcomes.
Today, with the expanded BRICS population nearing half of the global total, the growth of BRICS is ushering in a new era of cooperation among countries in the Global South. In light of rapid technological advancements and industrial transformations, Xi outlined strategic initiatives to guide the high-quality development of “Big BRICS Cooperation.”
He urged, “Enhance cooperation with an emphasis on sustainability, and elevate development with increased value.” The proposals for “Innovative BRICS” and “Green BRICS” included significant projects such as establishing an international research center for deep-sea resources and a digital industry cooperative network, signaling a push for quality upgrades in BRICS cooperation.
Unity and collaboration are foundational for the BRICS nations’ shared success. The rapid development of BRICS cooperation hinges on effectively identifying pathways for collaboration.
China has consistently been a promoter and builder of BRICS cooperation. Standing at 150 meters tall in the Expo Park of Shanghai Pudong is the headquarters of the New Development Bank, a flagship project that Xi has personally overseen. Established by emerging economies and developing nations, the New Development Bank plays a crucial role in financing infrastructure, clean energy, and digital infrastructure projects, with total investments nearing $35 billion.
Since the inception of the BRICS cooperation mechanism in 2006, progress has been steady. Post-expansion, BRICS countries account for about 30% of global GDP and contribute over 50% to global economic growth.
The “greatness” of “Big BRICS Cooperation” is reflected in the substantial outcomes brought about through unity and cooperation among member states.
“On the path of righteousness, the world belongs to all.” Peace, development, fairness, justice, democracy, and freedom are universal values for humanity. As President Xi pointed out at the 16th BRICS summit, the unity of the BRICS nations is grounded in shared pursuits, aligning with the global trends of peace and development.
Advocating for international fairness and justice resonates with Xi’s vision for a community of shared future for mankind. At the Kazan Expo Center, he referred to Russian writer Chernyshevsky’s work “What Is to Be Done?” to unite BRICS nations in collective determination and action amidst global turbulence.
Promoting a “Peaceful BRICS” and a “Just BRICS,” he called for adherence to three principles: “No expansion of battles beyond the battlefield, no escalation of conflicts, and no incitement by any party,” aiming for a rapid de-escalation of tensions. He emphasized the importance of genuinely practicing multilateralism and endorsing a globally collaborative governance concept.
In recent years, Xi has introduced global initiatives focused on development, security, and civilization, which have garnered widespread recognition, including from the international community represented by BRICS.
These calls for international fairness and justice reflect a clear-headed awareness and the responsibility that a great nation and international organization must uphold.
In 2023, during the closing ceremony of the BRICS Business Forum, Xi quoted a famous line from the Book of Rites, “On the path of righteousness, the world belongs to all,” reaffirming China’s commitment to an independent and peaceful foreign policy aimed at building a shared future for humanity.
Walking down the path of righteousness, we gain the hearts of people. The world belongs to all. Upholding the principles of fairness and justice and enhancing global governance are powerful driving forces behind the BRICS cooperation mechanism. The “greatness” of “Big BRICS Cooperation” ultimately lies in constructing a more just and equitable international order while safeguarding the broader interests and well-being of humanity as a whole.
