On October 23, Chinese President Xi Jinping delivered an important speech at the 16th BRICS Leaders’ Meeting held in Kazan, Russia. Various experts from around the world shared their insights with Xinhua News Agency reporters, highlighting Xi’s remarks amidst the complexities of global affairs. They noted that his emphasis on building a community with a shared future for humanity and his five proposals for BRICS countries paint a visionary blueprint for “high-quality development” through enhanced cooperation.
**”Five proposals will elevate BRICS cooperation to new heights”**
Vladislav Chevachin, who works at the Alabuga Special Economic Zone in the Republic of Tatarstan, remarked, “President Xi’s call for the establishment of a ‘Peaceful BRICS,’ ‘Innovative BRICS,’ ‘Green BRICS,’ ‘Just BRICS,’ and ‘Cultural BRICS,’ along with several concrete projects and collaborations, showcases China’s commitment to its promises. His five proposals are practical and relevant.”
Sudhindra Kulkarni, a former president of the Observer Research Foundation in India, echoed this sentiment, stating, “President Xi’s suggestions will propel BRICS cooperation to a new level. His appeal for a common, comprehensive, cooperative, and sustainable security outlook is critical for alleviating regional conflicts today. The idea of building a ‘Peaceful BRICS’ is particularly significant, and all nations should respond accordingly.”
Ilgar Velizade, a political scientist from Azerbaijan, expressed his strong impression regarding the concrete steps proposed for building an “Innovative BRICS.” He noted China’s leadership in the digital economy and its rich practical experience. Initiatives like establishing an international research center for deep-sea resources among BRICS nations could foster a global platform for innovation cooperation.
Zukiswa Robaji, a researcher at Walter Sisulu University in South Africa, particularly highlighted the “Green BRICS” initiative mentioned by Xi. She emphasized, “China’s advancements in green energy are remarkable, and its proactive measures to promote green collaboration among BRICS nations can help these countries become significant players in supporting sustainable development.”
Charles Onunaiyiju, director of the China Research Center in Nigeria, strongly resonated with Xi’s discussion on leading global governance reforms through fairness, justice, openness, and inclusivity. He stated, “Xi’s global development, security, and civilization initiatives have gained widespread acceptance, including among BRICS nations. China’s commitment to multilateralism, listening to diverse voices, and fostering inclusive governance aligns seamlessly with the objectives of the BRICS cooperation mechanism.”
Xi proposed building a “Cultural BRICS,” aiming to foster understanding and collaboration among diverse civilizations. Balu Ram Deepak, a professor at Jawaharlal Nehru University in India, commented, “Cultural exchanges are vital for BRICS cooperation. Nations must strengthen their bonds and friendly relations to lay the groundwork for better collaboration.”
**”Aligning with global trends and development”**
“Gentlemen should act with righteousness and consider benefits that align,” Xi stated in his address, welcoming new members to the BRICS family. He highlighted this expansion as a significant milestone in BRICS’ development and a marker of evolving international dynamics. The summit also decided to invite multiple countries to become BRICS partner nations, reflecting ongoing progress in the group’s development.
Vitaly Mankevich, chairman of the Russia-Asia Industrialists and Entrepreneurs Alliance, felt a strong connection to Xi’s words. He noted, “The expansion of BRICS and the growing interest from numerous countries indicate that this cooperation mechanism aligns with global development trends.”
Abdul Munim Said, director of the Cairo Center for Economic and Strategic Studies in Egypt, remarked on China’s pivotal role in driving BRICS’ growth, stating, “The expansion signifies a further unification of development efforts among the ‘Global South.’ China’s advocacy for mutually beneficial cooperation transcends regional and national boundaries, potentially assisting more developing nations in achieving economic diversification and sustainable growth.”
Senior Laotian diplomat Sikun Benveilai pointed out, “China’s active push for BRICS expansion and initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative are broadening practical cooperation among BRICS countries and their partners, highlighting the bright future this collaboration holds.”
Mahmud Mrittah, secretary-general of the Bangladesh-China Chamber of Commerce and Industry, observed that the increasing number of countries applying to join BRICS reflects its alignment with the developmental aspirations of many nations. He suggested that advancing the membership and partnership processes would significantly benefit countries, especially developing ones, in meeting their developmental needs.
Zukiswa Robaji also noted that the addition of more members to the BRICS family underscores the growing appeal, influence, and impact of the cooperation mechanism. She believes that BRICS nations are committed to upholding multilateralism and refining global governance, resonating with the urgent desire of emerging economies for greater representation and influence in international affairs.
**”Consolidating consensus among Global South nations”**
Faced with a world entering a new period of turbulence and transformation, Xi expressed his aspirations for BRICS cooperation: “We should forge BRICS into a principal channel for promoting unity and cooperation among the Global South and an avant-garde in driving global governance reform.”
Victoria Fedorova, deputy director of the Institute for Strategic Research and Forecasting at the People’s Friendship University of Russia, remarked after listening to Xi’s speech, “A decade ago, it was hard to imagine the vibrancy of development among BRICS countries. The world’s interest in BRICS is growing, as this cooperation mechanism holds immense potential to address the global development imbalances witnessed over the past decades. Importantly, BRICS does not possess any confrontational nature and does not target any nation.”
Charles Onunaiyiju stated, “Emerging economies are realizing that unity brings about better development. BRICS serves as a crucial multilateral platform for emerging economies and developing countries, providing growing confidence to the Global South countries under its guidance.” He added that the goal is to promote a democratic international governance system and provide broader impetus for economic globalization without confronting or seeking to replace anyone.
Ahmed Khalil, a professor of international relations at the University of the UAE, viewed Xi’s principles of “joint consultation, building, and sharing,” along with themes of fairness and openness, as the defining features of BRICS cooperation. He affirmed, “BRICS nations are increasingly becoming a significant international force in unifying Global South consensus and promoting coordinated development among nations.” He believes this force can bring stability to the turbulent international landscape and enhance the voice and influence of developing countries in global affairs.
Mikhail Morozov, deputy editor-in-chief of the Russian newspaper “Trud,” pointed out that the BRICS cooperation mechanism could optimize the global governance system, providing developing countries with more representation and voice. He expressed hope that more Global South nations would join this mechanism, promoting fair resource distribution and enabling greater participation of developing countries in international collaboration.
