Recently, the “Lion City” container ship, carrying 1,738 containers of goods, set sail from Xiamen Haitan Port in China, heading towards Durban, South Africa. Since its launch in 2014, this direct shipping route has conducted a total of 458 voyages, facilitating imports and exports worth 29.2 billion RMB. It has significantly reduced transportation time by at least seven days, serving as a microcosm of practical cooperation among BRICS nations.
There are many such stories in the 18-year history of BRICS cooperation. From October 22 to 24, the sixteenth summit of BRICS leaders will take place in Kazan, Russia, with Chinese President Xi Jinping attending at the invitation of his Russian counterpart. This summit is particularly significant as it marks the first gathering of BRICS nations following a historic expansion and signals a new chapter in “Great BRICS Cooperation.” Leaders from more than 30 countries and international organizations will come together to discuss development strategies and cooperation.
International commentators have noted the profound impact BRICS nations have on the global economy, with remarks such as “BRICS is helping to correct global imbalances” and “an era of new international relations is emerging.” Over 30 countries, including Thailand, Cuba, Syria, and Belarus, have expressed a desire to join BRICS. Why is BRICS gaining such popularity in a world marked by turbulence? And how can “Great BRICS” make a significant impact?
Kirill Babayev, director of the Institute for China and Modern Asia Studies at the Russian Academy of Sciences, told International Outlook that the BRICS cooperation mechanism was originally created as a tool for coordination among member states. Today, it symbolizes a new vision for humanity’s future, representing hopes for fair global economic development. He emphasized that China is one of the primary drivers of enhanced cooperation among all parties involved.
Babayev’s assessment resonates with many. The world is facing unprecedented changes, with globalization coming under strain as some major powers adopt geopolitical strategies that suppress emerging markets and developing nations, fostering confrontation. Meanwhile, the collective rise of the “Global South” is an irreversible trend of our time. In this context, BRICS serves as an essential platform for cooperation and development among Global South countries, embodying the values of openness, inclusivity, and win-win cooperation—qualities that have made it a banner for South-South collaboration.
Additionally, the BRICS mechanism aligns with the aspirations of many developing nations seeking common development. As global economic recovery struggles, development imbalances become more pronounced, and deficits continue to rise, BRICS countries have remained committed to a multilateral trade system, effectively maintaining stability and smooth operation of global supply chains. With the formal entry of Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the UAE, Iran, and Ethiopia in January 2024, the population of BRICS member states will account for nearly half of the global population, contributing over 50% to global economic growth. Their combined economic output, when measured by purchasing power parity, has already surpassed that of the G7, positioning them to play a larger role in driving global economic recovery.
Moreover, the BRICS cooperation mechanism provides a platform and opportunities for various countries to engage in global governance. Valerio, an expert on international issues in Italy, highlighted that in an era where Cold War mentalities and unilateralism are on the rise, BRICS countries uphold the principles and purposes of the UN Charter, focusing on political solutions to international and regional issues, aligning with the trend of global peace and development. As more countries express interest in joining, the positive, stable, and altruistic role of “Great BRICS” in international affairs will only become more pronounced, bolstering the forces that defend multipolarity and multilateralism worldwide.
As a founding member, China has always been a staunch supporter and participant in the BRICS cooperation mechanism, playing a pivotal role in leading the initiative. From advocating the “BRICS Spirit” to launching the New Development Bank and proposing the “BRICS+” model, China has continuously contributed to the branding and effectiveness of BRICS. Rony Linz, director of the China Studies Center in Brazil, noted that China plays a critical role in forging consensus among BRICS countries, facilitating coordination and advancing shared agendas. Egyptian economist Ahmad Mustafa anticipates that the upcoming summit will emphasize the crucial role of emerging economies in shaping global economic and political landscapes, particularly China’s significant influence, setting a precedent for future meetings among BRICS nations.
At a recent session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party, a comprehensive plan was approved to deepen reforms and advance Chinese-style modernization, conveying a clear message of cooperation and mutual development with other countries. It is expected that the collaborative efforts between China and other BRICS members will inject stability and positive energy into a turbulent world, further promoting the united strength of the Global South. The future of “Great BRICS Cooperation” looks promising!
