Intl. observers look to China to advance 'Greater BRICS' cooperation

Chinese President Xi Jinping called on BRICS countries to take the lead in advancing innovation-driven development, upholding peace and stability, facilitating mutual learning between civilizations, and reforming and improving global governance at the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi on Saturday.

While addressing Session I of the summit, Xi said China stands ready to work with all parties to build consensus, create a better future and embark on BRICS' third "golden decade," jointly opening up a bright future of prosperity and progress.

Observers from the Global South said that the BRICS cooperation mechanism has evolved into an influential platform for multilateral cooperation, with China playing an important role in its development.

They expressed confidence that China will help steer "Greater BRICS" cooperation toward deeper and higher-quality cooperation, contributing to the interests of the Global South and to global peace and development.

"China, based on its own capabilities, has played an outstanding role in BRICS cooperation," said B.R.

Deepak, director of the Centre of Chinese and Southeast Asian Studies at Jawaharlal Nehru University in India.

Against a backdrop of growing uncertainty in the international system, Deepak said China-proposed Global Governance Initiative could serve as a stabilizing force, while the Global Civilization Initiative could help bridge geographical and cultural differences.

Sarafina Christopher, a journalist of the News Agency of Nigeria, noted that China is one of the world’s fastest-growing economies, saying its participation in BRICS sends a strong message about the group’s long-term sustainability.

She said China’s vast population, large consumer market and abundant resources provide a strong foundation for the continued growth and development of BRICS.

Marcos Pires, a professor of political economy at São Paulo State University in Brazil, said Xi's call for high-quality development of greater BRICS cooperation is closely aligned with the four global initiatives and provides a clear direction for the group's future.

Hailing BRICS as an important platform for reforming and improving the global governance system, he said the mechanism offers hope for addressing the challenges posed by a turbulent international environment.

Amr Moussa, former secretary-general of the Arab League, said he hoped more Arab countries would join BRICS, which he believed would further strengthen regional and global cooperation.

"We are at a critical juncture in shaping a fairer and more equitable international order," Moussa said, highlighting the importance of China's vision.