On October 22-24, 2024, Chinese President Xi Jinping traveled to Russia to attend the 16th BRICS Leaders’ Summit at the invitation of his Russian counterpart. As the trip concluded, Wang Yi, a member of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and Foreign Minister, spoke with accompanying reporters about the significance of this visit.
Wang described the visit as President Xi’s first trip abroad following the successful conclusion of the Third Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party and marked the first summit since the historic expansion of BRICS. During less than 48 hours in Kazan, President Xi engaged in over ten activities, combining both bilateral and multilateral meetings. The schedule was tightly packed yet fruitful, showcasing productive discussions among both old friends and new partners. Media outlets, both domestic and international, paid close attention and widely reported on the visit, highlighting its success and the wealth of outcomes. The summit contributed to a new chapter of solidarity and strength among BRICS nations, paving the way for greater development and prosperity in the Global South, where China reaffirmed its role as a central figure and core member among these countries. Amid a world undergoing unprecedented changes, cooperation among the larger BRICS is set to yield significant and far-reaching historical impacts.
Firstly, Wang emphasized that the BRICS cooperation mechanism emerged during a pivotal moment when emerging markets and developing countries were rising collectively, influencing global dynamics and the balance of power. Over its 18-year history, BRICS has continued to grow, now comprising nearly half the world’s population and over 30% of global economic output, contributing more than 50% to global economic growth. It has become a vital platform for unity and collaboration among emerging markets and developing countries.
In the context of rapid global changes, with humanity facing critical choices between conflict and peace, Wang noted that the BRICS cooperation mechanism is at a crucial stage for transition and future direction. Many developing countries are optimistic about the prospects of BRICS and look forward to a more significant role in maintaining world peace, promoting shared development, and enhancing global governance. However, there are voices of skepticism and doubt regarding BRICS’ path forward. President Xi, present throughout the BRICS meetings, articulated a clear vision for the future of “Greater BRICS Cooperation,” emphasizing that the unity among BRICS countries is based on their shared aspirations. The greater the challenges of the times, the more imperative it is to take the lead and demonstrate historical agency. This cooperative spirit aims to transform BRICS into a primary channel for promoting unity in the Global South, while also serving as a driving force for reform in global governance.
President Xi laid out China’s vision for accelerating high-quality development in “Greater BRICS Cooperation.” He urged BRICS nations to build a peace-oriented, innovation-driven, environmentally sustainable, equitable, and culturally engaging partnership, serving as protectors of common security, pioneers of high-quality development, advocates for sustainable practices, leaders in governance reform, and promoters of cultural coexistence. Xi also announced eight practical measures to support high-quality development within BRICS, broadening the scope and depth of cooperation while reinforcing foundational frameworks, thus enhancing the capabilities and confidence of BRICS nations.
With over 30 countries expressing a desire to join BRICS, President Xi stressed the importance of maintaining an open, inclusive, and cooperative ethos, responding positively to calls from the Global South, and welcoming more nations to engage with BRICS in various forms. The consensus reached at the Kazan summit to invite additional countries to become BRICS partner nations marks another significant milestone, expanding the representation and influence of the BRICS cooperation mechanism and solidifying its position as a strategic force for establishing a more equitable global governance system.
Wang noted that the continuous growth of the BRICS mechanism and its enduring vitality fundamentally depend on an open and inclusive approach, aiming for win-win cooperation and the pursuit of fairness and justice. This stands in stark contrast to the “small groups” and “cliques” that cling to Cold War mentalities and provoke confrontations. Since 2013, President Xi has actively participated in every BRICS summit, introducing significant proposals, including the “BRICS Plus” cooperation model, thereby driving substantial progress and establishing a distinctive Chinese presence within the BRICS framework. As BRICS matures and strengthens with collective effort, it will amplify its common values and interests, providing powerful momentum for a more equitable and orderly multipolar world and inclusive global economic growth.
Secondly, Wang highlighted the emergence of the Global South as a significant marker of the world’s transformation. Currently accounting for over 40% of the global economy, countries in the Global South are increasingly vital in maintaining peace, fairness, and cooperative strategies against global challenges, positioning themselves as stabilizing forces for progress. Despite the evident lag in the global governance system, the needs and perspectives of the Global South have not been fully represented, impacting their development and the world’s ability to confront global issues. The gathering of over 30 national leaders at the Kazan summit for the “BRICS Plus” dialogue reflected a unified stance against hegemony and double standards, advocating for urgent ceasefires and reforms in international economic systems, highlighting the Global South’s desire for peace, development, and justice.
In response to the changing global landscape, President Xi has put forth several initiatives, including the Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative, and Global Civilization Initiative, offering Chinese solutions to alleviate the deficits of peace, development, security, and governance. These proposals have garnered recognition from more than 100 countries, many of whom have joined the “Friends of the Global Development Initiative” and backed the “Six Points Consensus” proposed by China and Brazil to politically address the Ukraine crisis. During the Kazan summit, Xi remarked on the unprecedented importance of the Global South’s collective modernization, underscoring that the path to revitalization will not be easy. As leading nations of the Global South, BRICS members must showcase their collective will to maintain peace, drive development efforts, and promote cultural exchanges.
Wang emphasized that recent major diplomatic actions by China—including the Third Belt and Road Forum, the 70th anniversary of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, and various cooperation forums—demonstrate China’s unwavering commitment to the Global South. China continues its high-quality development and expansion of open practices, encouraging more Global South countries to join its modernization journey toward a future characterized by peace, mutual benefit, and shared prosperity.
Thirdly, during the Kazan summit, President Xi held bilateral meetings with several foreign leaders, broadening interactions with attending dignitaries to discuss bilateral relationships and major global issues, leading to many new important agreements.
This year marks the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Russia. President Xi met again with President Putin, highlighting the solidification of their relationship. Both leaders commended their countries’ ties and recognized their collaborative approach based on non-alignment, non-confrontation, and not targeting third parties. They agreed to uphold a spirit of perpetual friendship, comprehensive strategic cooperation, and mutually beneficial collaboration as a model for a new type of major power relations. They also dedicated to using next year’s United Nations 80th anniversary and the 80th victory anniversary over fascism to promote a correct view of World War II history and jointly uphold global strategic stability and international justice.
Wang noted the significant global anticipation surrounding President Xi’s meeting with Indian Prime Minister Modi, which marked their first official meeting in five years. President Xi presented crucial suggestions on the future of China-India relations, emphasizing the need for both nations to recognize the importance of strategic perceptions, coexist harmoniously, and jointly develop, setting an example for the extensive collective of developing nations. Prime Minister Modi responded positively and suggested practical ideas for improving bilateral relations. Both leaders commended their recent substantial communications that successfully addressed border issues, agreeing on the importance of managing differences strategically and fostering trust, ultimately aiming for a stable and positive trajectory in their relations.
Importantly, all participating leaders reaffirmed their commitment to the “One China” principle and supported China’s stance on its core interests, expressing a desire for closer strategic cooperation to safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of Global South nations and advance the concept of a community with a shared future for humanity. Many leaders expressed appreciation for China’s fair stance on issues like those in Palestine, characterizing China as a sincere and trustworthy friend and partner, anticipating an even more significant role for China on the international stage.
In conclusion, Wang indicated that amidst a world of rapid change, China’s commitment remains steadfast. China will continue to unite with BRICS and Global South partners to pursue their collective dreams and responsibilities in the face of challenges, enhancing global stability and shared prosperity. By deeply understanding and implementing the spirit of the recent central party meeting, we aim to actively uphold unity and cooperation and navigate towards a peaceful and prosperous future, making meaningful contributions to comprehensive reforms and the unique modernization pathway of China.
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