From October 22 to 24, President Xi Jinping will travel to Kazan, Russia, at the invitation of the host, to attend the sixteenth summit of BRICS leaders. This gathering will mark the first major reunion for the historically expanded BRICS family.

“Those who share aspirations are not deterred by mountains and seas,” President Xi quoted an ancient saying from the “Baopuzi” to highlight the BRICS nations’ philosophy of mutual respect and assistance, steering their partnerships toward a sustainable and prosperous future.

The BRICS countries span four continents, united in their quest for peace, development, and cooperation, while following pathways that suit their national conditions. Their journey together has proven that different social systems can coexist, diverse development models can collaborate, and varied cultural values can be exchanged.

In June 2022, President Xi hosted the fourteenth BRICS summit and the Global Development High-Level Dialogue via video from Beijing, where he also delivered a keynote speech at the opening of the BRICS Business Forum. After receiving unanimous consent from the participating leaders, he announced the adoption of the “Beijing Declaration of the Fourteenth BRICS Leaders’ Meeting.”

At that moment, leaders from South Africa, Brazil, Russia, India, and China raised their blue-and-white porcelain teacups in celebration of the significant outcomes achieved in their discussions.

This gesture of unity transcends geographic boundaries and signifies the BRICS nations’ collective aspirations and mutual goals.

Despite their different national circumstances, the BRICS countries are at similar stages of development and share common objectives. China is firmly advancing modernization while respecting each country’s right to choose its own path, emphasizing that there is no one-size-fits-all model for modernization or universal standards that apply to all.

BRICS holds a significant position in China’s broader diplomatic strategy. Reflecting on President Xi’s past engagements, it’s evident that his commitment to the BRICS partnership remains steadfast, regardless of shifting international dynamics. This commitment emphasizes that the initial motivations and collective aspirations of the BRICS nations do not waver.

“Development is a right that cannot be denied to any nation; it is not the privilege of a select few,” President Xi’s remarks consistently resonate with fervent applause from the audience.

“To solidify friendships over a thousand miles, one must cross the boundaries of politics and military alliances to establish a cooperative relationship built on mutual respect and shared progress,” said President Xi. This reoriented approach promotes a new philosophy of cooperation and mutual benefit, injecting increased certainty, stability, and positive energy into global dynamics.

From establishing the New Development Bank to creating the “China-BRICS New Era Technology Innovation Incubation Park,” and from exploring the “BRICS Global Remote Sensing Satellite Data and Application Cooperation Platform” to building a sustainable industry cooperation mechanism, these Chinese initiatives have effectively addressed the development needs of BRICS nations, amplifying their collaborative efforts.

As cross-border e-commerce platforms flourish, products like Russian candies, Brazilian flip-flops, South African oils, and Indian spices find their way into Chinese shopping carts. Simultaneously, Chinese-made smartphones, clothing, and electronics gain popularity among consumers in other BRICS countries, tightening the bonds between them.

The principles of “mutual respect and assistance” further invigorate developing countries to engage in BRICS collaboration. This year, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the UAE, Iran, and Ethiopia formally joined the BRICS cooperation, significantly increasing the membership. This expansion strengthens BRICS’s influence and enhances its role in promoting global peace and development.

“While a single arrow is easy to break, ten arrows are hard to fold.” The weight of emerging market countries and developing nations is growing in the international arena, unaffected by anyone’s will.

“Standing at a historical crossroads, we must not only reflect on the journey that brought us here but also collaboratively strive for a future characterized by a comprehensive, close, pragmatic, and inclusive high-quality partnership,” President Xi emphasized, his words resonating powerfully.

Planning: Tian Junrong, Yang Xuebo, Jiang Yun
Coordination: Li Xiang, Liang Changjie, Song Jingsi
Text: Liu Wenbo, Li Yang
Editing: Jia Xue, Kuang Xixi
Proofreading: Zhu Li
Editor-in-Charge: Jia Xue
[Editor: Wang Chao]