At the 16th BRICS Summit in Kazan, Russia, Chinese President Xi Jinping emphasized the significant role of BRICS in fostering solidarity among Global South nations. With the group's expansion from five to ten members earlier this year, BRICS now represents approximately 30 percent of the global GDP, nearly half the world’s population, and one-fifth of global trade.
Xi hailed the enlargement as \"a major milestone\" and \"a landmark event\" in the group's history, marking a pivotal evolution in the international landscape. He highlighted the decision to invite additional nations as BRICS partner countries, describing it as \"another important development\" for the collective.
\"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 stated. This vision positions BRICS as a central player in shaping a more equitable global order.
The Kazan summit was the first face-to-face gathering of BRICS leaders since the inclusion of Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates on January 1, 2024. These new members join Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, significantly enhancing the group's global influence.
Guardians of Common Security
Xi called on BRICS members to act as guardians of common security, advocating for the principles of no battlefield expansion, no escalation of conflicts, and no provocations. He urged the group to work towards the de-escalation of the Ukraine crisis swiftly.
In September, China, Brazil, and other Global South countries launched the \"Friends of Peace\" platform at the 79th United Nations General Assembly to amplify peace voices regarding the Ukraine crisis. Chinese Ambassador to Russia Zhang Hanhui recently noted that BRICS and Global South countries share a steadfast commitment to peace, reconciliation, dialogue, and solidarity.
Addressing the humanitarian situation in Gaza and conflicts in Lebanon, Xi called for an immediate ceasefire, an end to violence, and continuous efforts toward a comprehensive, just, and lasting resolution of the Palestinian issue. This stance follows the BRICS' extraordinary joint summit on Gaza in November 2023, which coordinated members' responses to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict that erupted in October.
The expansion and proactive initiatives of BRICS underscore its emerging role as a pivotal force in global governance and peacekeeping, reflecting the group's commitment to addressing pressing international challenges through cooperation and solidarity.
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China calls for BRICS to become channel for Global South solidarity
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