Invited by Russian President Vladimir Putin, Chinese President Xi Jinping is set to attend the 16th BRICS Leaders’ Meeting in Kazan, Russia, from October 22 to 24.
This summit marks the first in-person gathering of BRICS leaders following the historic expansion of the “BRICS family.” As we look ahead to President Xi’s visit to Kazan, three key themes stand out.
**Keyword 1: “BRICS Cooperation”**
“I am pleased to see the growing enthusiasm among developing countries to engage in BRICS cooperation, with many expressing interest in joining the BRICS framework. We must adhere to the BRICS spirit of openness, inclusiveness, and win-win cooperation, and welcome more countries into the BRICS family,” President Xi stated at the 15th BRICS Leaders’ Meeting in Johannesburg last August.
At that meeting, President Xi, alongside other leaders, initiated the historic expansion of BRICS cooperation. Following this expansion, BRICS countries collectively contribute around 30% of global GDP, account for nearly half of the world’s population, and represent one-fifth of global trade, enhancing the group’s significance, weight, and potential.
As more nations seek entry into the BRICS framework, the popularity and influence of the cooperation mechanism continue to grow, demonstrating increased cohesion and impact. Since 2013, President Xi has chaired or attended every BRICS summit, guiding the collaboration amid global changes. This year is considered the starting point for a new phase of “BRICS cooperation,” with high expectations for continued collaboration.
**Keyword 2: “Global South”**
Eighteen years ago, BRICS emerged in response to the rise of emerging markets and developing countries. Today, “Global South” is increasingly used to refer to this group of nations. As a collective of emerging markets and developing countries, the Global South shares natural emotional ties and broad common interests with BRICS, carrying hopes for mutual prosperity.
“As a member of the Global South, we stand in solidarity with other developing nations, firmly advocating for common interests and striving to enhance the representation and voice of emerging markets in global affairs,” President Xi expressed during the closing ceremony of the 2023 BRICS Business Forum.
The BRICS framework serves as a vital channel for strategic communication among the Global South. During the 2017 Xiamen summit, President Xi introduced the “BRICS Plus” cooperation concept to encourage development discussions with other emerging markets. Now, “BRICS Plus” stands as an important dialogue platform for engaging these nations.
At the upcoming Kazan meeting, President Xi will participate in both small and large leader discussions, as well as the “BRICS Plus” dialogue session. China is eager to work collaboratively to usher in a new era of solidarity within the Global South, fostering cooperation and advocating for the interests of developing countries.
**Keyword 3: “Multilateralism”**
As the world undergoes significant upheaval and transformation, uncertainty and instability are on the rise. In this complex landscape, upholding and promoting multilateralism is essential for addressing global challenges.
Since its inception, BRICS has consistently embraced an open, inclusive, and cooperative spirit, remaining committed to multilateralism as a stabilizing force in international affairs. President Xi has long advocated for a more democratic international relationship among nations.
In November 2023, the BRICS leaders will hold a special video summit to coordinate on the Israeli-Palestinian issue, setting a promising tone for the expanded cooperation. Earlier this May, China and Brazil collectively expressed a political consensus for resolving the Ukraine crisis, receiving positive responses from over 110 countries.
In Kazan, President Xi will engage with other leaders on the current international situation, practical cooperation among BRICS nations, and other significant issues of common concern. China is committed to genuine multilateralism, working with all parties to promote global development, security, and civilization initiatives, and putting forth a unified voice from BRICS and the Global South in shaping global governance and a shared future for humanity.
[Planning by: Ni Siyu and Zhang Xiaosong; Written by: Liu Yang]
[Video Production by: Yang Mu, Shao Yibo, Zhang Wen, Liu Chunhui, Meng Jing]
[Visuals by: Zhang Huihui, Yang Wenrong]
[Produced by the Xinhua News Agency’s Domestic and International Departments]
[Edited by: Fu Zihao]