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In a recent campaign rally in Florida, Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff took the opportunity to criticize Donald Trump and Project 2025, despite the state’s strong Republican leanings. Emhoff, the husband of Vice President Kamala Harris, made a surprise appearance in Fort Lauderdale and Miami, as he wrapped up his tour of swing states in the northeast.

Emhoff expressed his belief that Florida remains a competitive battleground. “We can win Florida. We should win Florida!” he declared to an enthusiastic crowd at a Get Out the Early Vote rally held at the OB Johnson Center in Hallandale Beach, part of the Democratic stronghold of Broward County. However, recent polling suggests otherwise, with Trump leading Harris by around six points in the latest FiveThirtyEight.com average, a state he won comfortably in both 2016 and 2020.

Despite the challenging political landscape, Emhoff’s visit holds particular significance due to the closely contested U.S. Senate race in Florida, where incumbent Republican Rick Scott faces off against Democratic challenger and former Representative Debbie Mucarsel-Powell. The campaign has been heavily focused on women’s healthcare issues, especially regarding Amendment 4, a ballot initiative that aims to revoke Florida’s stringent six-week abortion ban, pending approval by a 60% majority.

Emhoff wasted no time addressing concerns regarding women’s reproductive rights, condemning Trump as the instigator behind the erosion of Roe v. Wade. “Make no mistake, Donald Trump is no friend to women. He has proven himself to be a threat to women. Now he claims to be a friend to women. Would he protect you? Of course not. Trump is proud of it. He brags about stripping away Roe v. Wade,” he stated, sparking chants of “Yes on 4!” from supporters.

Mucarsel-Powell also took the stage to emphasize her commitment to safeguarding healthcare and defending reproductive rights. “I will protect healthcare and people with pre-existing conditions. I will stand for women and children to ensure we protect them against attacks on their reproductive freedom,” she asserted.

In addition to discussing reproductive rights, Emhoff addressed critical topics such as gun violence, the economy, immigration, and the Republicans’ so-called extremist Project 2025 agenda. He expressed disappointment that polling numbers, less than two weeks before the election, indicated a tight race. “It shouldn’t be this close,” he remarked.

While some speculated that Emhoff would touch on the back-to-back hurricanes that impacted Florida, he focused instead on Democratic talking points, including Trump’s controversial remarks about Adolf Hitler’s military leaders. “We really need to listen to what Donald Trump is saying, what’s coming out of his mouth. We lived through it when he was president. This time around, he poses an even greater threat – to the economy, to women, and our very lives,” Emhoff warned. “We can’t look away from this. This is as real as it gets. He’s completely unfit, unhinged and un-American. We need to turn the page on this chapter of American history.”

Following his address in Hallandale, Emhoff moved on to a rally and fundraiser in Coral Gables, Miami, strategically close to Trump’s recent outreach to Latino voters. Both political camps are keenly focused on South Florida’s significant Hispanic community as the election approaches.

Supporters at the Hallandale Beach event welcomed Emhoff’s visit, seeing it as a sign that Democrats remain engaged in Florida. “Every weekend, the Trump supporters are out here on street corners with their flags. It gets depressing,” remarked Anthony Hill, a Democratic voter from Lauderdale Lakes. “I don’t think Kamala is going to win here, but if we can win some of the down-ballot races we can show that we’re still alive.”

Bill Chuan, a candidate for the Milpitas City Council and a proud member of the Asian American community, shared his journey and aspirations during an interview. “I have a deep passion for service. I served my country in the U.S. Army, and now I want to serve my city with even greater commitment,” he expressed.

Born in the United States to immigrant parents from Shanghai, China, Chuan has also lived in Taiwan and Hong Kong. From a young age, he demonstrated a strong enthusiasm for community service, engaging with children with special needs as a Boy Scout. After graduating high school, he joined the U.S. Army as an armored soldier, driving tanks, which further deepened his sense of responsibility and contribution to both his nation and society.

Chuan holds a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from California Polytechnic State University and has spent 25 years in the tech industry. His wife, Kelly Yip-Chuan, serves as the vice chair of the Milpitas Unified School District Board, and together they are raising three daughters.

Since moving to Milpitas in 2008, Chuan has been actively involved in community affairs, dedicating numerous volunteer hours, including serving on the campus committee at Burnett Elementary School while his daughters attended. He has also participated in the Milpitas High School Naval Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps program and the city’s zoning advisory committee. Over the past five years, he has served on the Milpitas Planning Commission, holding the positions of vice chair and chair. Currently, he is a member of the Santa Clara Valley Water Resources Independent Monitoring Committee and the community emergency response team.

This is Chuan’s first run for city council, but he believes his extensive involvement has given him a solid understanding of city affairs, preparing him for this role.

Public safety is Chuan’s top priority, as he aims to maintain emergency response times within three minutes for the city. He is also committed to enhancing public works projects to improve and upgrade aging infrastructure, addressing traffic congestion in busy areas, and tackling issues like street flooding and potholes. Additionally, he plans to seek collaborative solutions for homelessness, working alongside city staff and external resources to find creative and practical approaches.

Chuan emphasizes the importance of maintaining a family-centric culture in Milpitas by advocating for affordable housing options for the city’s workforce, particularly for police officers, firefighters, teachers, and families in need.

“I will always listen to the residents and consider their opinions,” he stated. “I care about our community, especially our young people and seniors. I am dedicated to serving our residents. We need better transparency and financial accountability to show that our residents are prioritized and that decisions are not driven by political motives.”

According to the China Meteorological Administration, in the upcoming three days, regions including northern Xinjiang, southeastern Tibet, and southern Qinghai are expected to experience significant snowfall. Authorities are advising residents to take precautions for transportation safety and the potential impacts on agricultural facilities. Additionally, starting today, large-scale rainfall is forecasted for the central and eastern parts of the country, with heavy rain risks in areas like Guizhou, Henan, and Shandong, raising concerns about possible secondary disasters from localized intense precipitation.

As for the upcoming severe weather, between October 16 and 18, parts of central and southern North China, the Huang-Huai region, northern Jianghuai, the Jianghan area, western Jiangnan, and both northern and western regions of South China are predicted to see moderate to heavy rain. Specific areas, including southern Shandong, eastern Henan, eastern Hubei, western Hunan, Guizhou, and northern Guangxi, may experience heavy rainfall or storms, with expected accumulations between 100-150 mm and hourly rain rates of 20-40 mm, with some areas exceeding 50 mm. Meanwhile, the northwestern part of Xinjiang and southeastern Tibet could see moderate to heavy snow or rain-snow mixtures, and localized heavy snowfall is possible, with accumulations between 20-25 mm.

Moreover, from October 18 to 19, a strong cold front is predicted to affect northern regions, resulting in significant wind and temperature drops. Areas north of the Yangtze River could see temperature drops of 8-10°C, with northern North China and central and southern Northeast China experiencing declines of 10-12°C, and some areas possibly exceeding a 14°C drop. Accompanying these temperature changes, many regions in North China and Northeast China could experience wind speeds of 4-6 on the Beaufort scale, with gusts reaching 7-8.

For a more detailed forecast: from 08:00 on October 16 to 08:00 on October 17, light to moderate snow is anticipated in parts of northwestern Xinjiang, eastern Tibet, and the western Sichuan plateau. Particularly, the western areas along the Tianshan Mountains in Xinjiang may see heavy snowfall accumulating 10-15 mm. Regions such as eastern Sichuan, Chongqing, northern Guizhou, southern Yunnan, northwestern Hunan, southwestern Hubei, northern Hainan, northern Zhejiang, southeastern Anhui, southern Jiangsu, and Inner Mongolia’s Hetao region may experience moderate to heavy rainfall, with some localized areas in southern Chongqing and northern Guizhou expecting heavy rain around 50-60 mm. Wind speeds of 4-5 are anticipated in parts of northern Zhejiang.

From 08:00 on October 17 to 08:00 on October 18, small to moderate snow or rain-snow mixtures could affect northern Xinjiang, southeastern and central Tibet, southern Qinghai, parts of the western Sichuan plateau, northeastern Inner Mongolia, and northwestern Heilongjiang. Regions along the Tianshan Mountains in Xinjiang may encounter heavy to blizzard conditions, with some areas experiencing heavy snowfalls of 20-25 mm. In central and eastern Guizhou, northern Hunan, central and eastern Hubei, parts of Henan, central and northern Anhui, northern Jiangsu, Shandong, eastern Shaanxi, Shanxi, western Hebei, western Beijing, and southwestern Guangdong, moderate to heavy rain is expected, with localized heavy rain measured at 50-90 mm particularly in eastern Shandong, eastern Henan, northern Anhui, and parts of northern Jiangsu. Wind speeds of 4-6 are likewise forecast in central and eastern Inner Mongolia and the Shandong Peninsula.

For the forecast from 08:00 on October 18 to 08:00 on October 19, similar conditions including light to moderate snow or rain-snow mixtures are expected in northern and southern Xinjiang, central and eastern Tibet, and central southern Qinghai. Some areas along the Tianshan Mountains in Xinjiang could see heavy snowfall or blizzard conditions, with accumulations around 20-25 mm. Additionally, regions including the Shandong Peninsula, Sichuan Basin, Chongqing, northern Guizhou, southern Hunan, and southeastern Tibet may receive moderate to heavy rain, with storms predicted in parts of the Shandong Peninsula and western Sichuan Basin measuring 50-70 mm. Wind speeds of 4-6 are likely in western and central eastern Inner Mongolia, eastern Jiangsu, and southeastern Fujian.

As airports increasingly streamline traffic, one surprising measure has garnered attention: Dunedin International Airport in New Zealand has implemented a three-minute limit on farewell hugs in its drop-off zone. Passengers wishing for longer goodbyes are encouraged to head to the car park instead. This policy contrasts sharply with Heathrow Airport’s approach, where passengers are welcomed to take as much time as they need for their farewells, as signaled by new depictions in the departures area that promote “unlimited hug time.”

This emphasis on hugging isn’t just about keeping the airport moving; it’s grounded in science. Experts highlight the numerous physical and psychological benefits associated with embraces. “Hugging is a fundamental way we bond socially,” says Professor Robin Dunbar, an evolutionary psychologist from the University of Oxford. He explains that the act of hugging activates a specialized neural system in our skin, triggered by gentle, rhythmic touch. This can lead to the release of endorphins, inducing feelings of calm and relaxation.

Moreover, the positive effects of hugs extend beyond comfort. Professor Michael Banissy, a social neuroscientist, points out that receiving and giving hugs can enhance our immune response. In one notable study from Carnegie Mellon University, researchers found that individuals who received regular hugs were less susceptible to common cold viruses and experienced milder symptoms if they did fall ill. Another study indicated that women who hugged their partners before a stressful experience had lower cortisol levels, a stress hormone.

Banissy emphasizes the relevance of hugs in high-stress environments like airports, where anxiety can run high. “The three-minute guideline is intriguing because the hormonal benefits of hugging can be realized in just a few minutes,” he notes. However, he does caution against the potential stiffness that a time limit might impose, as the context of the touch is crucial. If the hugging experience feels forced or uncomfortable, the emotional and psychological benefits may diminish.

To understand the nuances of hugging, we can categorize different types:

1. **Quick Squeeze**: Commonly known as the “crisscross hug,” where arms intertwine around each other’s shoulders or waists. Studies suggest that hugs lasting between five to ten seconds are optimal for comfort and emotional connection.

2. **Engulfing Hug**: This more intimate embrace offers comfort in challenging times and is typically reserved for deep emotional support.

3. **Bear Hug**: A spontaneous, tight squeeze often exchanged in celebratory contexts, such as reunions or achievements.

4. **Sporty Shoulder Press**: A more casual approach seen in team sports where physical gestures like this enhance team cohesion and performance.

5. **Global Leader Hug**: Politicians hugging can seem awkward under scrutiny, yet research indicates that even brief physical touches can bolster cooperation and trust in professional settings.

6. **Self-Hug**: For those without a companion, self-hugging—placing hands over one’s own heart or belly—can replicate the calming benefits of a hug from another person. Research shows this self-soothing gesture also reduces stress hormone levels.

In light of these insights, experts suggest considering hugs as natural expressions of connection and comfort. So the next time you say goodbye, whether in an airport or elsewhere, remember that a simple embrace carries significant emotional weight—and sometimes, a little extra time can make all the difference.

According to a report from China Central Television (CCTV), on October 21, the China National Railway Group announced impressive figures for the China-Europe Railway Express. From January to September of this year, a total of 14,689 trains have been dispatched, with the number of monthly operations consistently surpassing 1,600 for seven consecutive months.

Data reveals that from January to September, the express service accounted for 14,689 train runs, transporting 1.571 million standard containers, marking an increase of 13% and 11% year-on-year, respectively. In September alone, there were 1,633 train runs, carrying 171,000 standard containers, which represents a year-on-year growth of 15% and 12%.

This year, there has been a continuous enhancement of the construction of the railway corridor, including the expansion and renovation of major domestic ports and auxiliary pathways. The transportation capacity of the primary routes—Western, Central, and Eastern—has significantly improved.

In an interview, Hou Jinliang, the Party Secretary of the Freight Transfer Station at Suifenhe, Harbin Railway Bureau, shared that the China-Europe Railway Express prioritizes its operations by streamlining acceptance and train assembly processes, reducing loading and unloading times. This year, Suifenhe station has been handling an average of 236 standard containers per train for the express service, which represents a 17% increase from last year.

Furthermore, the China National Railway Group is actively collaborating with railway ports along the route to shorten operation times and enhance port efficiency. They are also engaged in the development of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, which has led to regular operations of the China-Europe Railway Express. Currently, this service reaches 226 cities across 25 European countries.

Bear Mountain State Park is a perfect getaway for New Yorkers looking for a short trip, just over an hour’s drive from the city. This natural reserve boasts breathtaking scenery and a rich history, making it an ideal destination for busy city dwellers seeking relaxation.

The park’s name derives from its terrain, which resembles a bear lying on its stomach. Early inhabitants noted the mountain’s shape, leading them to associate it with a bear and thus name it Bear Mountain.

Established in 1910, Bear Mountain State Park was born out of New York’s conservation movement. At that time, ecological threats loomed due to industrial development. Fortunately, entrepreneur George W. Perkins and other conservationists advocated for the park’s creation, ensuring the preservation of this invaluable natural resource for public enjoyment.

Hiking routes in Bear Mountain are not overly strenuous, catering to visitors of varying fitness levels. One of the park’s most popular trails is the Bear Mountain Loop Trail, which spans approximately 3.8 miles. The clearly marked path is easy to navigate, complete with stone steps that facilitate a comfortable hike.

As you ascend, the views through the trees gradually open up. After a brief but steep climb, reaching the summit rewards hikers with stunning vistas of the Hudson Valley. At the top of Bear Mountain, visitors can marvel at the majestic landscape where the Hudson River weaves through the valley.

On clear days, the skyscrapers of Manhattan can be seen on the distant horizon, creating a striking contrast with the expansive natural surroundings. The iconic skyline stands out vividly against the backdrop of nature, offering a unique experience of being in the embrace of the wilderness while gazing at the city’s hustle and bustle.

After reaching the summit, visitors can explore Perkins Memorial Tower, built in 1934 to honor Perkins’ significant contributions to preserving the area’s natural resources. Inside the tower, exhibits showcase the history of Bear Mountain State Park and the conservation movement.

In addition to its natural beauty, Bear Mountain State Park features several historical landmarks. The Bear Mountain Inn, a notable structure within the park, has welcomed countless visitors since 1915. Its stone facade harmonizes with the surrounding environment, providing accommodations and dining options.

Restored to maintain its historical character, the inn is now an essential part of the Bear Mountain experience. Guests can enjoy comfortable lodging, and visit the gift shop and café for added enjoyment during their stay.

In the spring and summer, the area around Bear Mountain Inn allows for various activities such as boating and fishing, enhancing the outdoor experience. During the winter, ice skating and skiing become the park’s highlights, attracting winter sports enthusiasts.

Additionally, for those interested in delving deeper into Bear Mountain’s history, the Trailside Museums & Zoo is a must-visit. This center showcases the area’s rich ecosystem, featuring exhibits on local wildlife and geography, making it a valuable educational resource for visitors.

For families, the center offers interactive exhibits that engage children, allowing them to observe animal specimens and participate in nature tours to foster an understanding of environmental conservation.

Driving is the most convenient way to reach Bear Mountain. From New York City, the journey takes about an hour, with ample parking available at the park. Alternatively, visitors can take the Metro-North Hudson Line from Penn Station to Peakskill and then transfer to a bus or taxi to the park. For more details, including directions and activities, visit the official website at https://visitbearmountain.com/.

On October 22, 2023, during an interview regarding China’s preparation for the upcoming Olympic Ski Mountaineering events, reporter Yue Chuan explored the national team’s aspirations and the history of the sport.

With the Olympic qualification events for the Ski Mountaineering competition at the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics set to commence this December, the Chinese Ski Mountaineering team is busily gearing up, aiming to secure medals at this prestigious event.

The International Olympic Committee approved Ski Mountaineering as an official event for the Winter Olympics in July 2021, marking the return of this ancient sport to the Olympic family nearly a century later. In these games, three gold medals will be awarded: one for the men’s sprint, one for the women’s sprint, and a mixed relay event.

Ski Mountaineering involves a combination of technical skills in snow climbing, supplemented by skiing. It encompasses elements such as snow trekking, climbing, teamwork, and the operation of climbing equipment. This sport gained popularity in Europe and North America during the 1950s and is now widely practiced in the Alps and the Pyrenees, attracting millions of enthusiasts each year.

However, Ski Mountaineering is still a relatively new sport in China. The national team was established in November 2022, following a series of selection rounds that began in June 2022, ultimately selecting a team of 20. Currently, the team is divided into short-distance and relay groups.

Since Ski Mountaineering typically takes place in snowy mountain regions, the team trains diligently wherever snow can be found. Over the past two years, through extensive training and competition, the team has shown remarkable improvement, achieving historic breakthroughs.

Since its inception, the Chinese Ski Mountaineering team has participated in five World Cup events, three Youth World Cup events, and one World Championship, amassing an impressive total of 15 gold, 2 silver, and 5 bronze medals. Notable young athletes have emerged, including Zidan Yuzhen, Pumi Ani, Bluer, and Gonsong Langa.

Leader Li Wenmao shared insights into the qualification system for the 2026 Winter Olympics, which consists of ten World Cup events and one World Championship, with ten competitions scheduled for the upcoming season.

Looking ahead to the Winter Olympics, the national team plans to conduct a new round of selections in mid-November and will train vigorously in Keketohai, Xinjiang. They will then head to Italy for further training and competition in early December. The first Olympic qualification event is set to take place in France on December 9. Li Wenmao stated emphatically that the team’s goal is to stand on the Olympic podium in 2026.

The Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, in its recent Politburo meeting on September 26, emphasized the importance of stabilizing the real estate market and addressing public concerns by modifying housing purchase restrictions, lowering existing mortgage rates, and refining land, finance, and tax policies to foster a new model of real estate development.

In response, various local governments swiftly rolled out a series of policies aimed at stabilizing the market, blending both existing and new policy initiatives. Reports indicate that these measures have begun to bear fruit, leading to positive trends in the housing market.

Several initiatives have been introduced, such as lifting restrictions on various homebuying measures—including abolishing purchase limits, resale restrictions, and price ceilings, as well as lowering the down payment ratio and mortgage rates. Local governments have tailored their approaches to meet the specific housing needs of residents.

Interviews across different regions reflect a noticeable increase in buyer confidence following these policy announcements. Metrics such as the number of viewings, visits, and contracts for new homes are all on the rise, with a sustained increase in transactions for existing homes.

The reduced pressure related to down payments and monthly mortgage payments has encouraged potential homebuyers to take action. For instance, Lin Haifang from Wenzhou recently decided to purchase a small apartment in the Binjiang Business District as the new home for his upcoming marriage.

“The new policy is very supportive!” he said. As a first-time buyer, he felt confident moving forward. Lin noted that both national and local policies have improved the conditions for buyers like him. In Wenzhou, young citizens under 35 can access additional housing fund benefits when purchasing their first home.

Similarly, Chen Xiguang from Guangdong bought a home for his marriage this month, relieved that the deposit of 190,000 yuan was now manageable thanks to decreased interest rates.

Lan Jing from Zhengzhou also made the transition from renting to ownership after finding a suitable apartment, commenting how favorable policies have made homebuying less burdensome, allowing her to settle into her new life.

These new measures are not only satisfying rigid housing needs but also beginning to fulfill the desire for improved living conditions. Luo Xi from Nanjing, who recently secured a 128-square-meter apartment, expressed gratitude for the policy changes that significantly lowered her financial pressure, allowing her to afford what once seemed unattainable.

Zhang Qi from Nanchang shared his excitement after signing the paperwork for a larger family home, having endured years of high down payment requirements. The latest policy adjustments dropped the down payment to 15%, which made it feasible for him and his wife to proceed with their plans.

In cities across the country, there are clear signs of a revitalizing real estate market driven by these favorable policies. The number of potential homebuyers has surged, which is evident in the increased foot traffic at open houses and showrooms.

As a result of these collective efforts, cities like Nanjing and Zhengzhou have experienced notable growth in new home transactions and consultative visits in recent weeks. Real estate agents are noting more activity, particularly among first-time buyers who feel more empowered due to the favorable conditions.

Finally, local authorities are committed to maintaining the upward trend in the real estate market by adapting policies to address the specific needs of their communities, promoting robust housing markets while ensuring that the benefits of these initiatives reach citizens effectively.

“It’s a critical time for the market, and ongoing policy support is essential. We believe that with these measures, we can achieve the goal of stabilizing the housing market,” said Zhou Xiaopeng, President of the Maoming Real Estate Association.

On October 25, the State Council Information Office held a press conference to discuss the agricultural and rural economic operations for the first three quarters of 2024. During the event, a reporter raised a question: “Recently, there has been a notable drop in the prices of cattle and dairy cows, leading to losses for farmers and garnering widespread public concern. What is the current production situation for beef and dairy cattle? What measures is the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs planning to take to assist farmers during this challenging time?”

In response, Zhang Xingwang, Vice Minister of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, acknowledged the issue, stating, “This is indeed a significant problem we’ve encountered this year, and it’s a considerable challenge. It impacts not only the income of cattle farmers but also the healthy and sustainable development of the entire beef industry.”

Zhang highlighted that since last year, prices for beef and dairy products have consistently declined, making it difficult for farmers and leading to a complex and severe industry landscape. However, he noted that through concerted efforts, adjustments to beef cattle inventory have been made, the growth rate of dairy cattle has slowed, and prices have started to stabilize and rise, easing some of the losses.

Zhang provided insights into the proactive steps the Ministry is taking to address these pressing challenges. “We are giving this situation our utmost attention and have initiated rapid action to support farmers and businesses. We have conducted multiple specialized studies and sent working groups to key production areas for on-the-ground research and guidance. We have also released technical guidance aimed at reducing production costs and have enhanced communication with relevant departments to strengthen financial and policy support, helping farmers mitigate losses.

At the end of September, in collaboration with the National Development and Reform Commission and other six departments, we issued a notification focused on promoting stable development in beef and dairy production, outlining a comprehensive package of seven policy measures. Major producing regions such as Inner Mongolia and Xinjiang have also taken proactive steps, introducing practical policies like farming subsidies and fresh milk powder subsidies tailored to local conditions, which have effectively alleviated some production difficulties.”

Looking ahead, Zhang stated that the ministry will continue to guide localities in implementing these policies swiftly and effectively. The focus will be on reinforcing five key areas:

1. **Strengthening Monitoring and Early Warning**: Conducting thorough analyses of the situation and timely release of relevant data to guide farmers in adjusting their herds and stabilizing production.

2. **Stabilizing Production Capacity**: Encouraging local authorities to expedite the disbursement of funds for enhancing foundational breeding herds, ensuring a steady population of foundational cows, and improving their breeding performance.

3. **Ensuring Feed Supply**: Fully utilizing policies that support the conversion of grains to fodder and the development of alfalfa, to help farmers stockpile adequate feed supplies.

4. **Enhancing Financial Support**: Promoting financial institutions to provide assistance through reasonable loan extensions and renewals, avoiding simplistic actions like sudden loan withdrawals, especially in key producing areas.

5. **Strengthening Technical Guidance**: Integrating and promoting efficient and practical technologies across key areas such as breeding, feed, disease management, and overall management to help farmers reduce costs, improve quality, and enhance efficiency.

The 16th BRICS Summit will take place from October 22 to 24 in Kazan, Russia. This marks the first summit since the expansion of the BRICS group, and there is keen interest in how these nations will contribute to promoting a more equitable and orderly multipolar world, as well as inclusive economic globalization in the context of a turbulent international landscape. In a recent exclusive interview with the Global Times, Kirill Babaev, Director of the Institute of China and Modern Asia at the Russian Academy of Sciences, shared his insights on the evolution of BRICS.

Babaev stated that BRICS has transformed from its original conception into a cross-continental network of cooperation, representing a new vision for global governance. He emphasized that the principles underpinning BRICS cooperation—mutual respect, inclusivity, fairness, and a non-dominance by any single nation—are in line with the aspirations of most countries and their populations. “BRICS embodies the hope for a fair global economic system free from sanctions and protectionism, which are at risk in today’s world,” Babaev remarked. “I sincerely hope that BRICS cooperation can become the cornerstone of a new type of international relations, not only in economic matters but also in global security.”

As Babaev pointed out, the principles and achievements of BRICS cooperation are proving to be highly attractive. During last year’s 15th BRICS leaders’ summit held in Johannesburg, South Africa, the BRICS family expanded its membership.

Data shows that this “Big BRICS” now accounts for 30% of the world’s land area, 45% of the global population, and nearly 20% of world trade, while oil production and reserves encompass about 40% of the global energy landscape. The total GDP, measured by purchasing power parity, has surpassed that of the G7 countries. Analysts view this expansion as a demonstration of the BRICS nations’ determination to unite and collaborate with the broader developing world, aligning with the international community’s expectations and the interests of emerging markets and developing countries.

Babaev explained that the significance of the BRICS mechanism lies in its capacity to unite countries with differing interests, offering each member a platform for negotiation and fostering cooperation. “If we want to achieve common goals, we need to reach consensus, and that is exactly what BRICS facilitates. Even when consensus is challenging on certain issues, BRICS has flexible mechanisms to explore alternative commonalities.” He believes that face-to-face dialogue among leaders in the same room tends to yield more effective problem-solving than distance communication.

“An increasing number of people are realizing that in the current West-dominated global economic framework, BRICS presents a viable alternative,” Babaev said. He noted that BRICS has proven to be an effective platform for collaborative projects in various sectors including technology, trade, transportation, and education, offering opportunities rather than restrictions. He highlighted that, unlike some alliances led by Western nations, BRICS lacks a single leader and emphasizes mutual benefit. “BRICS was formed not to confront, but to avoid confrontation.”

Following its first expansion, a growing number of countries are eager to engage with BRICS. Recently, nations from the Global South, including Malaysia, Sri Lanka, and Azerbaijan, have publicly expressed their interest in joining the BRICS cooperation mechanism.

This year marks the beginning of “Big BRICS cooperation,” and it is anticipated that BRICS nations will deepen their practical collaboration in Kazan. Babaev believes that trade and finance are not only critical issues for BRICS but also central to the global economy, and the member states need to continue promoting free trade. He added that as the rotating chair of BRICS this year, Russia may invite discussions and cooperation on topics such as payment systems, globalization and free trade, and international logistics. Additionally, collaborations in the technological sector, including artificial intelligence, could be on the agenda.