China unites Global South for new chapter of BRICS cooperation

At the invitation of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chinese President Xi Jinping attended the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi, India from September 12 to 13, calling on BRICS countries to take the pioneering role in promoting a more just and equitable international order and usher in a new chapter of cooperation among the Global South.

This year marks the 20th anniversary of BRICS cooperation.

What began as an economic concept in a research report has grown into an important force shaping the international landscape.

With greater BRICS cooperation entering a new stage of high-quality development, Xi outlined at the summit how the grouping can play a more active role in a world marked by growing uncertainty and transformation.

Be a pioneer in the changing world The world is undergoing profound changes unseen in a century.

Even as the Global South gains strength and multipolarity becomes an irreversible trend, unilateralism and power politics are resurfacing, posing growing challenges to multilateralism and the international order.

Addressing the summit in New Delhi, Xi called on BRICS countries to "stand firmly on the right side of history, strive to be a pioneer of our times, steer the international order in a direction that is more just and equitable, and work together to build a community with a shared future for humanity." "To bring stability to the world and make it a better place, BRICS countries must seize the historical initiative, rally the Global South, be an active, stabilizing and positive force in international affairs and advance the well-being of all humanity," Xi said.

As to the future development of BRICS, Xi urged the grouping to pioneer in advancing innovation-driven development, upholding peace and stability, facilitating mutual learning between civilizations and reforming and improving global governance.

The four pioneering roles align closely with the Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative, Global Civilization Initiative and Global Governance Initiative proposed by China, offering a clear roadmap for BRICS cooperation and a better world.

Xi's remarks reflect the four global initiatives are being translated into more concrete action through BRICS cooperation, providing a broader platform for the Global South to participate in global governance, said Joseph Kimuli, a Ugandan expert on international affairs.

Deepening practical cooperation BRICS emerged amid the collective rise of emerging markets and developing countries.

Over the past two decades, the mechanism has evolved with the times, expanding its membership and strengthening cooperation amid profound changes in the global landscape.