Chinese President Xi Jinping made a resounding call on Thursday for the “BRICS Plus” countries to work together to achieve common security, development, and cultural harmony. His remarks came during the BRICS Plus Leaders’ Dialogue at the BRICS Summit, held in Kazan, Russia, where the ongoing rise of the Global South was a central theme.
Xi emphasized the collective transformation happening in the Global South, underscoring the importance of this bloc’s modernization as a historic and unprecedented development in human civilization. He framed the continued growth of the Global South as a pivotal moment in world history, but also acknowledged the severe challenges that still plague peace and development. The journey towards prosperity, he warned, will be anything but straightforward.
“In this time of transformation, BRICS Plus nations must use their collective wisdom and strength to navigate these challenges,” Xi said. He called for the group to take responsibility for building a shared future for humanity, urging them to collectively face issues that affect global peace and stability.
In his speech, Xi highlighted the need for BRICS Plus nations to act as a stabilizing force for global peace. He called on these countries to strengthen global security governance, address both the symptoms and the root causes of global hotspot issues, and strive for solutions that promote lasting peace.
The BRICS Plus format, introduced in recent years as a way to include more Global South countries in BRICS’ economic and political discussions, has become a cornerstone of China’s approach to reshaping global governance. The initiative aims to provide alternatives to the Western-dominated international order, accelerating the transformation of the global landscape.
“BRICS Plus cooperation has significantly enhanced the transformation and improvement of the world order by offering multiple pathways for emerging nations,” Xi added.
Chinese experts have also praised the expansion of BRICS as a positive step toward greater cohesion among developing nations. The bloc has proven to be a strong counterbalance to traditional Western institutions, with its initiatives, such as the New Development Bank, offering new avenues for economic growth and development.
The theme of Global South unity dominated the summit, with Xi stressing the need for BRICS Plus nations to stand together in their quest for modernization. The Chinese leader lauded the growing influence of developing nations and noted that their collective rise is reshaping the global balance of power. He further pointed out that while the Global South’s modernization is groundbreaking, it also faces severe obstacles, from economic inequalities to security threats.
“Marching together toward modernization is a monumental event in world history, and it has no precedent in human civilization,” Xi noted.
However, Xi was quick to caution that the path forward is fraught with difficulties. He urged the BRICS Plus countries to harness their collective strength, advocating for mutual support and collaboration in facing global challenges. By working together, Xi argued, the Global South can not only achieve shared prosperity but also contribute to a more harmonious global community.
While the BRICS bloc has garnered significant momentum, there have been concerns that its expansion could strain internal unity. BRICS, originally composed of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, has seen growing interest from other Global South nations eager to join the bloc. Xi Jinping’s emphasis on “harmony among civilizations” reflects the delicate balance BRICS must strike as it grows.
Some commentators have expressed worries that expanding too quickly could weaken the bloc’s coherence. Last year, Al Jazeera published an opinion piece questioning whether adding more members might dilute BRICS’ focus and ability to reach consensus.
Nevertheless, the summit in Kazan provided a strong counterpoint to these concerns, with many leaders affirming that BRICS expansion could strengthen, rather than undermine, its unity. Shadrack Andile, a reporter from BRICS Africa Channel, emphasized that expansion is about collaboration, not competition. “Bringing more countries into BRICS means leaving no one behind,” Andile said. “It’s not about competing; it’s about collaborating for a better world.”
The Kazan Declaration, issued at the conclusion of the BRICS summit, reflected the group’s growing ambitions. In the declaration, BRICS nations called for reform of the Bretton Woods system, which governs global financial institutions like the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The bloc argued that these institutions must be updated to reflect the increasing power and influence of emerging markets and developing countries.
The push for reform in global governance is a cornerstone of BRICS’ mission. Xi and other leaders have long argued that the current world order is outdated and unfairly biased towards Western powers. Through initiatives like the New Development Bank and the BRICS Contingent Reserve Arrangement, the bloc has provided alternatives to the traditional Western-dominated financial institutions.
Experts like Cui Heng, a scholar from the China National Institute for SCO International Exchange and Judicial Cooperation, believe that BRICS Plus is playing a crucial role in offering alternatives to the Western-led order. “The BRICS Plus countries have introduced new tools that challenge the West’s dominance and offer different ways for developing nations to engage with the global economy,” Cui explained.
The BRICS declaration also touched on other pressing global issues, including climate change, food security, and regional conflicts. Leaders underscored the importance of building a more just and equitable international system that addresses the needs of all countries, not just the wealthiest.
China’s leadership in the BRICS bloc has been pivotal to its success. Since its inception, President Xi has been a key figure in promoting BRICS cooperation. Over the past 12 years, he has chaired or attended every BRICS summit, helping to establish important initiatives like the New Development Bank. Xi’s promotion of the BRICS Plus format has expanded the bloc’s reach and influence, bringing new members and voices into the fold.
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian noted that through the BRICS summit, China aims to work with other BRICS countries to open new horizons for cooperation and contribute to the building of a shared future for humanity. “China stands ready to work with other BRICS countries to open a new chapter in the high-quality development of BRICS cooperation,” Lin said.
The BRICS Plus format has already shown its potential for fostering new partnerships among developing nations. By bringing together countries from across the Global South, BRICS Plus has become a powerful platform for addressing shared challenges, from economic instability to climate change.
Looking ahead, experts believe that BRICS will continue to play an increasingly important role in shaping the future of global governance. Ahmed Moustafa, director of the Asia Center for Studies and Translation in Egypt, noted that the growing influence of BRICS sends a powerful message: “The status quo in global governance is no longer acceptable to the majority of the world’s population,” Moustafa said. “The economic and political disparities that have persisted for decades are becoming increasingly untenable.”
Moustafa believes that the success of BRICS initiatives like the New Development Bank is helping to solidify the bloc’s appeal. In the coming years, he predicted, BRICS will evolve into a formidable force, capable of influencing the decisions of established global institutions like the United Nations and the World Trade Organization. The expansion of BRICS is a sign that more countries are seeking alternative alliances that prioritize collaboration, inclusivity, and equity.
