Category: BRICS

Wang Yi in New Delhi: BRICS should take the lead in speaking out for justice

A meeting of BRICS National Security Advisers was held in the Indian capital New Delhi on June 23. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi attended in his capacities of Member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and Director of the Office of the Central Commission for Foreign Affairs.

The meeting was chaired by India’s National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and the attendees held in-depth exchanges of views on issues including response to non-traditional security challenges, counter-terrorism and cybersecurity.

Wang Yi said at the meeting that BRICS cooperation has gone through 20 years and has increasingly become a core force in the world that safeguards peace, promotes development and upholds justice. Facing the complex and profound changes in the current international landscape, China is willing to work with other BRICS countries to jointly address the urgent challenges facing human society and jointly adhere to the right direction of world history evolution.

In this regard he put forward four key points which included:

Uphold the international order with BRICS responsibilities. “We must hold high the banner of multilateralism, firmly safeguard the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, and unequivocally oppose unilateralism and protectionism. As the forefront of the Global South, BRICS countries should take the lead in speaking out for justice and acting fairly and enhance their status and role in international affairs.”

Respond to global challenges with BRICS actions. “We must resolutely combat all forms of terrorism, unequivocally oppose the militarisation of outer space, effectively address global energy and food security challenges, strengthen cooperation on strategic mineral resources, and unite to respond to the Ebola epidemic in Africa.”

Wang Yi stressed that the vitality of BRICS lies in equality and mutual benefit and the strength of BRICS lies in unity and mutual assistance.

Summarising the outcomes and significance of the meeting, Wang Yi said that “the common message sent by this meeting is that BRICS and the Global South should uphold independence, strengthen solidarity and mutual assistance, pool more collective wisdom, and coordinate stronger joint actions. The clear direction set by this meeting is that we support further leveraging the mechanism of the Meeting of BRICS National Security Advisors and High Representatives on National Security, maintaining communication and coordination on major international and regional hotspot issues, and continuously enriching the dimensions of greater BRICS cooperation.”

Next year China will assume the BRICS chairmanship and Wang said that he looks forward to gathering with everyone again in China.

Wang also referred to lessons to be drawn from the US-Iran war, noting that the United States and Iran have recently reached a first-phase memorandum of understanding. “The conflict, which lasted over a hundred days, has sharply affected the regional and international situation and offers us profound lessons”:

The importance of upholding international rules. The settlement of any international and regional hotspot issues should be based on abiding by international rules. The law of the jungle may succeed for a while, but it is not sustainable.

The importance of respecting national sovereignty. Territorial integrity shall not be violated and a country’s internal affairs shall not be interfered with.

The importance of establishing a new vision of security. Countries are increasingly becoming a community of a shared future and the practice of seeking absolute security of oneself at the expense of others will only backfire.

The importance of understanding the new forms of warfare.

On the issue of strengthening BRICS cooperation on counter-terrorism and cybersecurity, Wang said that, at present, the world is witnessing a new wave of international terrorist activities. The root cause of this is the intensifying confrontation caused by unilateral actions and the increase in inter-civilisation and inter-religion tensions.

BRICS countries should jointly safeguard international rules in cyberspace, oppose the deliberate creation of division and confrontation, promote the signing and ratification of the United Nations Convention against Cybercrime by all countries as soon as possible, and actively participate in the international alliance against telecom cyber fraud.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with the delegates on the same day.

Speaking with Wang, Modi noted that both India and China are ancient civilisations with a history of friendly exchanges spanning several millennia, and for a long period the two countries held leading and influential positions in the world. Under the current circumstances, it is necessary for the two sides to carry forward their traditional friendship, maintain high-level exchanges, advance practical cooperation, and safeguard the common interests of Global South countries. The Indian side supports China in assuming the BRICS chairmanship next year and is ready to work with China to advance the BRICS cause.

Wang said that as the two largest developing countries and important members of the Global South, China and India should play an exemplary role in promoting unity and self-reliance among Global South countries. China will continue to support India in fulfilling its responsibilities as the rotating chair of the BRICS and work together to promote deeper and more substantive progress in BRICS cooperation.

The previous day, he met with Indian National Security Advisor Ajit Doval.

Wang said that under the joint guidance of President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, China-India relations have gradually emerged from the low ebb and returned to the track of recovery and improvement. The two leaders agreed that China and India are partners, not rivals, which constitutes the most important strategic consensus between the two sides and provides strong impetus and strategic guarantee for the sound and steady growth of bilateral relations. As the world’s two most populous economies, China and India should not only view bilateral relations with a long-term perspective but also advance bilateral cooperation with a global vision. At present, the Global South, including China and India, is experiencing a collective rise. As the first echelon of the Global South, BRICS should actively champion and advance the process toward multipolarity, safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of developing countries, and work for a more just and equitable international order.

Thanks to the joint efforts of both sides, exchanges in various fields have gradually resumed, communication and cooperation are progressing in an orderly manner, and the border areas have remained generally peaceful. These outcomes are hard-won and should be doubly cherished. It is important to respect each other’s core interests, properly handle sensitive issues, and keep the China-India boundary question at an appropriate place in bilateral relations so as to prevent it from affecting the overall relationship.

Ajit Doval noted that through their meetings in Kazan and Tianjin, the leaders of India and China have charted the course for the development of bilateral relations, and agreed that India and China are partners, not rivals. They believe that a stable India-China relationship serves the common interests of both sides. India is ready to continue to view its relations with China from a strategic perspective, work with China to implement the common understandings of the two leaders, take a forward-looking approach in viewing and accelerating the development of bilateral relations, properly handle differences, and strive for win-win outcomes. India is one of the first countries to recognise the People’s Republic of China, and its position on the Taiwan question remains unchanged.

On June 23, Wang Yi met with Secretary of the Russian Federation Security Council Sergei Shoigu.

Wang Yi noted that Russian President Vladimir Putin paid a successful state visit to China in May, during which the two heads of state had in-depth strategic communications. The two sides issued two joint statements: one sets out strategic plans and provides strong impetus for the China-Russia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership of Coordination for the New Era; the other points out the future direction for the development of human society and clarifies the prospect of a multipolar world.

Sergei Shoigu said that facing the profound changes unseen in a century, Russia and China should deepen mutual trust, carry out close cooperation, jointly resist all kinds of interference and infiltration by external forces in the security field, and oppose Japan’s attempts at remilitarisation.

Meeting with Secretary General of the Egyptian National Security Council Youssef Alaa El-Deen on June 22, Wang Yi noted that this year marks the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Egypt, an important milestone for the bilateral relationship to carry forward past achievements and forge ahead into the future. He stated that the international landscape is undergoing profound and complex shifts. As important members of the Global South, China and Egypt share extensive common ground on international and regional affairs and shoulder important responsibilities for safeguarding global and regional stability. China is willing to step up coordination and collaboration with Egypt on multilateral platforms including the BRICS and the United Nations, jointly uphold the independence and self-reliance of the Global South and promote its unity and self-strengthening, actively advance the multipolarisation process, and work together to build a community with a shared future for humanity.

Youssef Alaa El-Deen said that centering on the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations, Egypt will boost high-level exchanges and deepen practical cooperation under frameworks such as the Belt and Road Initiative, the BRICS mechanism and the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) to deliver greater progress to bilateral ties.

The two sides also exchanged views on the Middle East situation. Youssef Alaa El-Deen briefed Wang Yi on the latest developments and mediation efforts by the Quartet including Egypt and spoke highly of China’s vital role in stopping the fighting and promoting peace. [Besides Egypt, the recently established ‘Regional Quartet’ includes Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye.]

Wang said that the memorandum of understanding signed between the United States and Iran, which commits both sides to respect each other’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, refrain from launching any military operations and avoid interfering in each other’s internal affairs, sends a positive signal to the world and should be jointly upheld and implemented. The negotiation process can hardly be smooth and may face various disruptions and even setbacks. Yet now that the door to peace has been opened, it must not be closed again.

The next day, Wang met with Secretary-General of the Supreme National Security Council of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Ali Mohammed Hammad Al Shamsi.

Wang said that the US-Israeli war against Iran should never have happened and should be brought to an end as soon as possible. Recently the conflict has finally turned toward dialogue, but whether genuine peace can be achieved still requires the joint efforts of all parties. At the current stage, priority should be given to three things:

Uphold a permanent and comprehensive ceasefire and effectively implement the memorandum of understanding just signed.

Resume normal navigation through the Strait of Hormuz as soon as possible.

Draw lessons from the repeated turmoil in the Middle East, rebuild mutual trust among regional countries, and explore a new regional security architecture suited to the evolving situation.

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China and South Africa reinforce special friendship of comrades and brothers

The special friendship of comrades and brothers between China and South Africa has been reinforced by three recent high-level meetings.

On June 23, Chinese Vice President Han Zheng met with visiting South African Deputy President Paul Mashatile in Beijing.

Han said that as members of BRICS and the G20, China and South Africa should strengthen international coordination and jointly play a positive role in improving global economic governance.

Mashatile said South Africa has always been committed to deepening political mutual trust and enhancing mutually beneficial cooperation with China.

The same day, Mashatile, who is also Deputy President of the African National Congress (ANC) of South Africa, met with Liu Haixing, Minister of the International Department of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee (IDCPC).

Liu said that although China and South Africa are separated by vast oceans, the two countries share a common destiny. The special friendship of “comrades and brothers” between the two countries dates back to the period of their respective struggles for national liberation, to their mutual support in advancing national development, and to their solidarity in the pursuit of international fairness and justice. President Xi Jinping has paid four state visits to South Africa, working with President Cyril Ramaphosa to guide bilateral relations into a “Golden Era”.

Mashatile said he sincerely congratulated China on the tremendous development achievements made under the leadership of the CPC and General Secretary Xi Jinping. He thanked China for its support and assistance to South Africa and for its zero-tariff treatment for all African countries that have diplomatic relations with China. The signing of the Framework Agreement on Economic Partnership for Shared Development is an important milestone in the history of South Africa-China relations. South Africa stands ready to work with China to strengthen practical cooperation in such areas as trade and investment, artificial intelligence, mineral processing and automobile manufacturing, so as to deliver greater benefits to the two peoples. The ANC cherishes its brotherly ties with the CPC and stands ready to further strengthen inter-party exchanges and cooperation, deepen the sharing of experience in party governance and state governance, and better advance relations between the two Parties and the two countries.

The previous day, in the Indian capital New Delhi, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Director of the Office of the Central Commission for Foreign Affairs Wang Yi, who is also Chinese Foreign Minister, met with Minister in the Presidency of South Africa Khumbudzo Ntshavheni. They were both attending the 16th Meeting of BRICS National Security Advisors and High Representatives on National Security.

Wang Yi stated that as representatives of emerging economies and founding members of BRICS, China and South Africa have firmly upheld multilateralism, advocated greater democracy in international relations, maintained close high-level exchanges, deepened practical cooperation across all sectors, and set an exemplary model for solidarity and cooperation among the Global South. At present, unilateralism and the law of the jungle undermine the legitimate rights and interests of all countries and erode the norms governing international relations. As the backbone of the Global South, BRICS countries need to strengthen solidarity and coordination, jointly burnish the golden brand of BRICS that symbolises unity and self-improvement of developing countries, work hand in hand to safeguard international fairness and justice, and preserve world peace and stability.

Khumbudzo Ntshavheni said South Africa attaches great importance to developing relations with China and always regards China as a reliable friend. She thanked China for its long-standing support and assistance to South Africa and Africa, especially the benefits brought by the zero-tariff policy to people across Africa. South Africa firmly pursues the one-China policy, stands ready to step up coordination and collaboration with China on multilateral platforms including BRICS, jointly safeguard the rights and interests of developing countries, revitalise multilateral mechanisms, and advance the process of world multipolarisation.

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Wang Yi meets with Iranian security official

At the invitation of India’s National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Wang Yi, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Director of the Office of the Central Commission for Foreign Affairs, attended the 16th Meeting of BRICS National Security Advisors and High Representatives on National Security, which was held in the Indian capital New Delhi from June 22-23.

Among the first of Wang Yi’s reported bilateral meetings in New Delhi was that with the Deputy Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council Qadir Nizamipour.

Wang Yi stated that China welcomes the launch of follow-up consultations – with the assistance of Pakistan and Qatar – between Iran and the United States based on the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the two countries. The core provisions of the 14-point MoU are hard-won. These provisions clearly call for an immediate and permanent cessation of hostilities, refraining from the use or threat of force, mutual respect for each other’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and non-interference in each other’s internal affairs. These elements embody the spirit of equality, align with the purposes of the UN Charter, and conform to the norms governing international relations. China, as a comprehensive strategic partner of Iran, has always maintained a fair position and supported all efforts conducive to peace, supported Iran in safeguarding its sovereignty, security and national dignity, and supported Iran in improving relations with the Gulf countries and regional countries. China is willing to continue to provide assistance in its own way and play a constructive role in restoring regional peace and tranquility at an early date.

Qadir Nizamipour sincerely thanked the Chinese side for its persistent efforts to promote peace and halt the war, and highly commended President Xi Jinping’s four-point proposal on promoting peace and stability in the Middle East. He stated that China-Iran relations are of great importance. Iran has always attached great importance to its relations with China and highly appreciates the positive role China has played in international and regional affairs. Deepening the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries is the consensus of all sectors in Iran.

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Chinese scholar says resistance is only viable approach but patience is needed

The following is the text of an interview conducted by the Tehran Times with Chinese scholar Professor Jin Liangxiang on the sidelines of the recent Conference on People’s Rights and Legitimate Freedoms in the Thoughts of Ayatollah Khamenei.

Professor Jin notes that: “The Americans like to talk about liberal democracy and, when doing so, they link it to human rights. They even intervene in the domestic affairs of countries in the Middle East – such as Iran and many others – in the name of humanitarian concerns.

“But in Gaza and Palestine, we have witnessed atrocities committed by Israel, resulting in more than 70,000 deaths. In this regard, the Americans have turned a blind eye. So, I believe the United States is not in a position to lecture others about liberal democracy or to intervene under the banner of humanitarianism.”

Responding to a question on different perceptions of people’s rights and freedoms, he stresses that resistance is the only way out:

“When we talk about freedom, we must begin with justice. The most serious challenge to justice in the region is hegemony and power politics. Therefore, resistance becomes the only viable approach to achieving justice.

“We should not assume that hegemonic powers will make concessions on their own. Those policies will not disappear by themselves. The only way to deliver justice is through resistance. Even though the Middle East has experienced some changes in recent years, as long as oppression exists, resistance will continue.”

However: “The evolution of the international order will be a long process. People across the region – not only Iranians – do not accept hegemony. But weakening hegemonic structures and transforming the global order will take time… So, patience is required. BRICS is developing strong momentum and is expanding with new members. It will need time for internal integration, improving mechanisms, and organising resources. But it will become an important mechanism in shaping the future international order, playing a growing role not only financially but also politically and in the security arena.”

Jin is a senior research fellow at the Shanghai Institute for International Studies (SIIS) as well as a nonresident senior fellow at the Middle East Council on Global Affairs, based in Doha, Qatar.

The following article was originally published by Tehran Times. A video of the interview may be viewed here.

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BRICS countries seek common stand on ‘tariff wars’

On the evening of September 8, 2025, (Beijing Time) Chinese President Xi Jinping attended a Virtual Summit of the ten full members of the BRICS cooperation mechanism and delivered a speech entitled “Forging Ahead in Solidarity and Cooperation.”

The summit was convened and chaired by Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, whose country holds the current rotating Chair of BRICS. Lula’s initiative was largely triggered by the economic, political and psychological warfare currently being waged by the US Trump administration against many BRICS members, including Brazil, South Africa, India, Russia and China.  Besides Presidents Xi and Lula, it was also attended by Russian President Vladimir Putin, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Khaled bin Mohamed representing the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and the representatives of India and Ethiopia. India was represented by Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, with the absence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi being widely interpreted as indicating his continued vacillation between the interests of the Global South and those of the imperialist camp headed by the United States.

In his speech, President Xi noted that transformation unseen in a century is accelerating across the world. Hegemonism, unilateralism, and protectionism are getting more and more rampant. BRICS countries, standing at the forefront of the Global South, should act on the BRICS Spirit of openness, inclusiveness and win-win cooperation, jointly defend multilateralism and the multilateral trading system, advance greater BRICS cooperation, and build a community with a shared future for humanity.

To this end, President Xi made three proposals:

  • Upholding multilateralism to defend international fairness and justice. Multilateralism is the shared aspiration of the people and the overarching trend of our time. It provides an important underpinning for world peace and development. The Global Governance Initiative that President Xi recently proposed is aimed at galvanising joint global action for a more just and equitable system. Active efforts should be made to promote greater democracy in international relations and increase the representation and voice of Global South countries.
  • Upholding openness and win-win cooperation to safeguard the international economic and trade order. BRICS countries should promote a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalisation, place development at the heart of the international agenda, and ensure that Global South countries participate in international cooperation as equals and share in the fruits of development.
  • Upholding solidarity and cooperation to foster synergy for common development. BRICS countries account for nearly half of the world’s population, around 30 percent of global economic output, and one-fifth of global trade. The more closely they work together, the more resilient, resourceful and effective they are in addressing external risks and challenges.

Other participating leaders said that unilateralist and bullying acts are disrupting the international order, international law and international rules are under threat, and trade is being used as a tool to interfere in other countries’ internal affairs, which severely jeopardises world peace and development. BRICS countries need to strengthen solidarity and collaboration, jointly respond to crises and challenges, safeguard multilateralism, uphold the international system of free and open trade, and protect the common interests of the Global South.

The Bloomberg financial news service further reported  Lula as stating that, “Tariff blackmail is being normalised as an instrument to seize markets and interfere in domestic affairs… Our countries have become victims of unjustified and illegal trade practices.”

Calling for unity, he added: “It is up to BRICS to show that cooperation overcomes any form of rivalry. We have the necessary legitimacy to lead the renewal of the multilateral trading system on modern, flexible foundations geared to our development needs.”

South African President Ramaphosa said developing nations are facing “great hardships and danger” and that South Africa has already experienced negative economic effects from the trade upheaval. He called on BRICS to “play a critical role in strengthening the multilateral system.”

The following articles were originally published on the website of the Chinese Foreign Ministry.

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Trump makes BRICS great again

As Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump prepare to meet in the current US state and former Russian territory of Alaska on August 15 for talks centred on the conflict in Ukraine, they do so against a wider diplomatic background of engagements among the Global South, with BRICS+ in the lead, and triggered not least by the indiscriminate bullying tactics on the part of Trump.

Faced with the shameless bullying and arbitrary economic punishment beating on the part of the United States, not least in support of Trump’s fascist friend, former President Jair Bolsonaro, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has conducted telephone diplomacy to coordinate positions with his Chinese, Russian and Indian counterparts.

On August 12, President Xi Jinping spoke with President Lula for one hour, at the latter’s request.

Xi Jinping pointed out that China-Brazil relations are at their best in history, with a good start and strong momentum in building the China-Brazil community with a shared future and aligning development strategies. China is ready to work with Brazil to seize opportunities, strengthen coordination, deliver more mutually beneficial cooperation outcomes, set an example of uniting for strength among major Global South countries, and build a more just world and sustainable planet.

Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva briefed on Brazil’s current relationship with the United States and Brazil’s principled stance on firmly safeguarding its sovereignty. He appreciated China’s efforts to uphold multilateralism and free trade rules, and its responsible role in international affairs. Brazil is ready to enhance communication and coordination with China within BRICS and other multilateral mechanisms, oppose unilateralism and bullying acts, and safeguard the common interests of all countries.

Xi Jinping said that China supports the Brazilian people in defending national sovereignty and supports Brazil in safeguarding its legitimate rights and interests. Countries should unite in unequivocally opposing unilateralism and protectionism. The BRICS mechanism is an important platform for building consensus in the Global South. He congratulated Brazil on successfully hosting the BRICS Summit. Global South countries should join hands to uphold international fairness and justice, safeguard the basic norms governing international relations, and protect the legitimate rights and interests of developing countries.

Their conversation was preceded by an August 6 call between Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Brazilian Chief Advisor to the Presidency Celso Luiz Nunes Amorim, again at the latter’s request.

Wang Yi said that China resolutely supports Brazil in defending its state sovereignty and national dignity and opposes groundless interference in Brazil’s internal affairs by external forces. China firmly supports Brazil in protecting its development rights and interests and resisting the bullying practices of arbitrary tariffs. China firmly supports Brazil in strengthening solidarity and cooperation among the Global South through the BRICS mechanism and promoting strength through unity among developing countries. Using tariffs as a weapon to suppress other countries runs counter to the purposes of the United Nations Charter and undermines WTO rules. Such practices will win no support and cannot be sustained. China is ready to work with Brazil to fully implement the important common understandings reached by the two heads of state, deepen bilateral cooperation, enrich the strategic dimension of the China-Brazil community with a shared future, and effectively offset external uncertainties through the stability and complementarity of bilateral cooperation.

Celso Amorim noted that the profound friendship, strong mutual trust, and fruitful pragmatic cooperation between the two countries are truly commendable. Brazil is willing to work with China to fully implement the common understandings reached between the two heads of state and deepen cooperation in various fields such as trade and finance. The United States’ imposition of high tariffs on Brazil has disrupted normal economic and trade relations and interfered in Brazil’s internal affairs, which Brazil firmly opposes. Brazil thanks China for its steadfast support and is willing to work with China to promote the improvement and development of the BRICS mechanism, enhance solidarity and self-strength among the Global South, and uphold international fairness and justice.

What is also noteworthy is that relations between China and India are significantly improving.

On August 13, the financial news service Bloomberg reported that, “Prime Minister Narendra Modi is drawing closer to the BRICS countries after US President Donald Trump hit the South Asian nation with a 50% tariff.

“Modi’s latest move is to resume direct flights with China as soon as next month, said people familiar with the negotiations who asked for anonymity to discuss private matters. The deal could be formally announced when Modi is expected to head to China for the first time in seven years and meet leader Xi Jinping at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation held in Tianjin from Aug. 31…

“Modi’s economic calculus was fundamentally altered this month when Trump doubled tariffs on Indian goods to 50% as a penalty for its purchases of Russian oil. The US president’s remarks that India’s economy was ‘dead’ and its tariff barriers ‘obnoxious’ further strained relations.”

The report added: “The Adani Group [of billionaire Gautam Adani, currently facing a US court indictment] is exploring a tieup with Chinese EV giant BYD Co. that would allow… Adani’s conglomerate to manufacture batteries in India and extend its push into clean energy, according to people familiar with the matter.”

Moreover, prior to his Alaska visit, Vladimir Putin also had a telephone conversation with Xi Jinping on August 8, at the request of the Russian President.

President Putin briefed Xi Jinping on Russia’s views on the current situation of the Ukraine crisis and the recent contact and communication between Russia and the United States, adding that Russia highly appreciates the constructive role China has been playing in the political settlement of the crisis. He stated that the comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination between Russia and China will not change under any circumstances.

Xi Jinping said that no matter how the situation evolves, China will maintain its consistent position and continue promoting talks for peace. China welcomes contacts between Russia and the US to improve bilateral ties and advance the process of realising a political settlement of the crisis.

Both sides said they will make concerted efforts in preparation for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Tianjin Summit to ensure a successful gathering of friendship, solidarity and fruitful results.

This call was one of a number made by the Russian President to brief and discuss with friendly leaders in the Global South ahead of his meeting with Trump. They include – in the order reported by the Russian President’s website – the leaders of South Africa, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Belarus, India, Brazil, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Armenia, and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK).

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As Trump threatens BRICS, it grows stronger, resisting US dollar and Western imperialism

In the following article, which was originally published on his Geopolitical Economy website, Beijing-based US journalist and political analyst, Ben Norton assesses the impact and significance of the 17th BRICS Summit, which was held July 6-7 in the Brazilian city of Rio de Janeiro.

Ben notes that, among his daily plethora of crude threats to sovereign nations, US President Donald Trump had recently threatened to impose 100% tariffs on the members of BRICS and then claimed that the Global South economic cooperation mechanism was “dead” as a result.  However, it is growing, currently with 10 members and 10 partners, as well as a number of observers participating in the summit, where measured steps towards a process of ‘dedollarisation’ ranked high on the agenda.  

The Rio Summit was historic not least in the participation of socialist Vietnam and Cuba among the new category of formal partner countries. Ben observes: “This was symbolic, given that Cuba has suffered under illegal US sanctions and a devastating blockade for more than 60 years.”

He adds that, despite the country’s proximity to, and economic integration with, the United States: “Mexico’s progressive President Claudia Sheinbaum sent Foreign Secretary Juan Ramón de la Fuente to Brazil to participate, even though Mexico is not…  a member or partner of BRICS.”

The steady progress of BRICS (to paraphrase the US writer Mark Twain reports of its death were clearly exaggerated) again riled the short-fused US President, who threatened its members with an additional 10% in tariffs – for Trump watchers evidently something of a climbdown from the previously threatened 100%.

This new threat brought a stinging rebuke from Brazil’s President Lula: “The world has changed. We don’t want an emperor.”

Trump also bizarrely cited Spain as a “BRICS nation”, which, in this case, he threatened with 100% tariffs. Spain is neither a member nor a partner of BRICS, which is exclusively made up of members of the Global South. Indeed, it is a NATO ally of the United States. Its social democratic government has, however, enraged Trump by condemning the Israeli genocide in Gaza, being the sole NATO member to outright refuse Trump’s demand to increase defence spending to 5% of GDP and insisting on maintaining positive relations with China.

In the following days, Trump further escalated his feud with Brazil by leaping to the defence of his fascist friend, former President Jair Bolsonaro, who is facing trial on charges of attempting a coup following his 2022 election defeat, a case with certain echoes of the violent attempt to overturn the result of the 2020 presidential election in the United States.

Lula reacted furiously to Trump’s attempt to help his fellow putschist by threatening Brazil with additional tariffs at 50%. The financial news service Bloomberg reported:

“President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva insisted Brazil can survive without trade with the US and will look to other partners to replace it, a sharp response to Donald Trump after the American leader threatened 50% tariffs against the nation.

“‘We’re going to have to look for other partners to buy our products. Brazil’s trade with the US represents 1.7% of its GDP,’ Lula said in a broadcast interview with Record TV… ‘It’s not like we can’t survive without the US.’

“The Brazilian also said countries like his are not obliged to continue using the dollar to trade, reiterating remarks he made at last weekend’s BRICS summit in Rio de Janeiro that he acknowledged ‘likely worried Trump.’

“‘We are interested in creating a trade currency among other countries,’ Lula said in the Record interview. ‘I’m not obligated to buy dollars to conduct trade with Venezuela, Bolivia, Chile, Sweden, the European Union, or China. We can trade in our own currencies.’”

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China and Brazil stress high quality cooperation

Chinese Premier Li Qiang met with Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva in Rio de Janeiro on July 5, the eve of the 17th BRICS Summit.

Li said that China is willing to work with Brazil to leverage each other’s complementary advantages and expand cooperation in such areas as digital economy, green economy, sci-tech innovation and aerospace. He conveyed Chinese President Xi Jinping’s warm greetings to Lula, noting that China-Brazil relations are in their best shape ever, with both sides working together to build a China-Brazil community with a shared future for a more just world and a more sustainable planet.

Li also urged both countries to jointly ensure the success of the China-Brazil Year of Culture in 2026, step up cooperation in education, youth, healthcare and other areas, further facilitate people-to-people exchanges and strengthen public support for China-Brazil friendship and cooperation, adding that China supports Brazil in hosting the UN Climate Change Conference in Belem (COP30) later this year.

Lula said that Brazil is ready to promote exchanges and cooperation with China in such areas as economy and trade, science and technology, finance, and aerospace, and also seeks to deepen collaboration with China in addressing climate change. Brazil welcomes China’s participation in the upcoming COP30.

The previous day, Li made a stopover on the Greek island of Rhodes on his way to Brazil.

Meeting with Greek Deputy Prime Minister Kostis Hatzidakis, Li said that China is willing to work with Greece to leverage complementary advantages, advance the implementation of the plan for the Port of Piraeus in a high-quality manner, and promote more optimised and balanced development of the bilateral trade.

He noted that President Xi Jinping met with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis during his visit to China in November 2023 and reached important consensus on deepening bilateral relations. Over the past two years, he added, China and Greece have actively implemented the outcomes of the visit and promoted high-quality development of the Belt and Road cooperation, delivering more benefits to the peoples of both countries.

China is also ready to work with Greece to enhance cooperation in such fields as clean energy, power transmission and transformation, and artificial intelligence (AI), and foster new drivers for economic growth. China also supports and encourages more capable Chinese enterprises to actively invest in Greece.

It is hoped that Greece will continue to play a constructive role in promoting the development of China-EU relations, he added.

For his part, Hatzidakis said that Greece and China are both ancient civilisations, and Greece attaches great importance to developing its relations with China.

China is a major country with significant international influence, he said, adding that Greece is ready to strengthen multilateral coordination with China, jointly uphold the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and address global challenges such as climate change. Greece is also willing to contribute to the development of EU-China relations.

The following articles were originally published by the Xinhua News Agency.

Chinese premier says to expand cooperation with Brazil in digital economy, aerospace

RIO DE JANEIRO, July 5 (Xinhua) — Chinese Premier Li Qiang said on Saturday that China is willing to work with Brazil to leverage each other’s complementary advantages and expand cooperation in such areas as digital economy, green economy, sci-tech innovation and aerospace.

Li made the remarks during his meeting with Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. The Chinese premier arrived in Rio de Janeiro on Saturday to attend the 17th BRICS Summit.

Continue reading China and Brazil stress high quality cooperation

Xi Jinping – Champion of the Global South

The 17th Summit of the BRICS cooperation mechanism was held in the Brazilian city of Rio de Janeiro, July 6-7.

On this occasion, due to a scheduling clash, apparently related to the July 7 anniversary of the Marco Polo Bridge Incident, when Japan launched its full-scale invasion of China, an event that assumes greater significance in this year of the 80th anniversary of victory in the anti-fascist war, President Xi Jinping did not attend the summit, with China being represented by Premier Li Qiang.

However, prior to the summit, on July 3, the Xinhua News Agency published a detailed commentary highlighting Xi’s consistent commitment to BRICS and to the Global South more generally.

It quotes Xi as saying that “the collective rise of the Global South is a distinctive feature of the great transformation across the world,” when he addressed the “BRICS Plus” Dialogue held in Kazan, Russia, in October last year.

The article notes that much more than a pure geographical or economic term, the Global South refers to a community of emerging markets and developing countries that share similar historical experiences, development stages and goals, and political pursuits.

It adds: “The concept of ‘South’ was first coined in Antonio Gramsci’s work ‘The Southern Question’ written in 1926, in which the Italian Marxist philosopher highlighted the development gap between northern and southern Italy.”

The rise of the Global South, it continues, has been decades in the making. Back in 1955, the landmark Bandung Conference convened in Indonesia under the flag of solidarity, friendship and cooperation, marking the awakening of the Global South after centuries of Western colonial rule. In 1964, the Group of 77, a coalition of developing countries, was established in Geneva within the framework of the United Nations to promote South-South cooperation and work towards a new international economic order.

Through extensive cooperation, the countries of the Global South have emerged as a key driver of global growth. They have contributed as much as 80 percent over the past 20 years, with their share of global GDP increasing from 24 percent four decades ago to more than 40 percent today.

The article acknowledges that some Westerners have challenged China’s position that it is part of the Global South. It cites Xi in response:

“As a developing country and a member of the Global South, China breathes the same breath with other developing countries and pursues a shared future with them.”

Historically, China has suffered from Western colonialism and imperialism, much like other developing countries, according to Cavince Adhere, a Kenya-based international relations scholar.

“Even today, despite inordinate success by Beijing to rise from the backwaters of development to be the second-largest economy in the world, as well as the first developing country to eliminate extreme poverty, China still faces common development challenges and holds similar views regarding the current international order and global governance. Because of this, China has emerged as a strong champion for the legitimate rights and interests of many Global South countries.”

To boost common development in the Global South, Xi has been promoting practical cooperation through major infrastructure projects as part of the Belt and Road Initiative. During his foreign visits over the years, Xi would launch or visit major projects, such as the Chancay Port in Peru, the Dushanbe No. 2 power plant in Tajikistan and the Colombo Port City in Sri Lanka.

Continue reading Xi Jinping – Champion of the Global South

Li Qiang: The Global South should stand at the forefront of global governance reform

The 17th Summit of the BRICS cooperation mechanism was held in the Brazilian city of Rio de Janeiro, July 6-7.

On July 6, Chinese Premier Li Qiang delivered a speech at the plenary session focused on the theme of Peace and Security and Reform of Global Governance.

He noted that: “Today, transformations unseen in a century are accelerating in the world. Geopolitical conflicts and economic and trade frictions keep emerging, flames of war continue to rage in some regions, international rules and order face serious challenges, and the authority and efficacy of multilateral mechanisms are weakening.”

Faced with the growing necessity and urgency to reform the global governance system, China believes that in this process, one must firmly safeguard the shared interests of the international community and always stand on the right side of history. This is the only way to avoid taking a wrong turn or backpedalling, and to march forward in big strides toward peace, security, prosperity and sustainable development.

“There should be less arrogance and prejudice, and more sincerity and understanding. We need to look for the best answer that serves the interests of all through friendly consultation conducted on the basis of equality… Humanity lives in the same global village, and countries have increasingly become one community with a shared future. Whether it is tackling global challenges or promoting long-term development, no country can do it alone. Only by standing together in solidarity and working in close collaboration can we build a better home for us all… Development should not be a zero-sum game where one profits at the expense of the other, but a win-win story where all can benefit through mutual assistance. Countries’ development ought to be opportunities, not threats to each other.”

Observing that over the years, Global South countries have grown stronger and become champions of and contributors to the reform and improvement of the global governance system, Li said that, “standing at the forefront of the Global South, we BRICS countries should uphold independence, act with a sense of responsibility, take bigger steps to build consensus and synergy, and strive to be the pioneering force in advancing global governance reform.”

To this end, he made three key points:

  • We should uphold justice and safeguard world peace and tranquillity. When international rules are being undermined and bullying practices are on the rise, we need to stand up for what is right and speak up for justice.
  • We should focus on development and bolster the driving forces of economic growth. China’s journey of reform and opening up shows that in solving all problems, development is the foundation and key. This year, China will establish the China-BRICS New Quality Productive Forces Research Centre and the BRICS New Industry Golden Egret Excellence Scholarships, which will help BRICS countries train talents in areas such as industry and telecommunication and pursue innovation-driven development.
  • We should uphold inclusiveness and promote exchange and mutual learning among civilisations. With rich histories and cultures, BRICS countries should be advocates of harmonious coexistence of civilisations. We need to call for respect for cultural diversity in the world, and work to ensure that different civilisations inspire each other and prosper together.

The following is the full text of the speech. It was originally published by the Xinhua News Agency.

The summit adopted a detailed declaration. The full text may be read here.

RIO DE JANEIRO, July 6 (Xinhua) — Chinese Premier Li Qiang delivered a speech on Sunday at the plenary session of “Peace and Security and Reform of Global Governance” of the 17th BRICS Summit.

Continue reading Li Qiang: The Global South should stand at the forefront of global governance reform

Lula: China’s resolute and strong countermeasures against “reciprocal tariffs” are admirable

During his recent visit to Brazil to attend three important meetings of the BRICS cooperation mechanism, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi also held a series of bilateral meetings.

On April 30, 2025, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva met with Wang Yi in Brasilia.

Lula asked Wang to convey his sincere greetings to President Xi Jinping, stating that Brazil and China have established solid mutual trust, with frequent exchanges at all levels and increasingly deepening cooperation in various fields, which fully proves that keeping friendly relations with China is the right choice and brings a demonstration effect to South-South cooperation. He looked forward to maintaining close high-level exchanges with China, further strengthening economic and trade ties, and expanding mutually beneficial cooperation in finance, energy, and other areas. The Brazilian President further expressed his view that China’s resolute and strong countermeasures against “reciprocal tariffs” are admirable. China’s righteous actions have received widespread support, and the irresponsible unilateral acts of a certain country should be collectively resisted.

Wang Yi conveyed President Xi Jinping’s cordial greetings to President Lula, stating that the two heads of state jointly announced the building of a China-Brazil community with a shared future for a more just world and a more sustainable planet, which has charted the course and drawn the blueprint for the development of China-Brazil relations. President Lula’s political decision to deepen the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Brazil demonstrates strategic foresight and fully aligns with the long-term and fundamental interests of the Brazilian people.

Wang Yi added that China’s resolute counteraction to unilateral bullying is not only to safeguard its own legitimate rights and interests but also to protect the common interests of developing countries and to defend international fairness and justice. Standing at a critical juncture in history and facing impending storms, China will stay its course and strengthen its foundations, enhance cooperation with BRICS and Global South countries, uphold multilateralism, safeguard international rules, sow new hope for the world, and bring new opportunities for peace.

On April 28, Wang Yi met with the Foreign Ministers of Russia, Thailand and Ethiopia.

Meeting Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, Wang Yi said that there have been many new changes in the international situation recently. Change is the norm of this era, but what remains unchanged is the mutual trust and support between China and Russia. The strategic leadership of President Xi Jinping and President Vladimir Putin has always been the fundamental guarantee for maintaining high-level operation of China-Russia relations.

Wang Yi stated that the current rivalry between unilateralism and multilateralism is intensifying, and the contest between maintaining hegemony and opposing hegemony is unfolding around the world. The unity and cooperation of BRICS countries are demonstrating increasingly significant strategic value.

Sergei Lavrov said that in the face of a rapidly changing world, it is essential for Russia and China to maintain close interactions. Russia is willing to work with China to prepare for the next phase of important exchanges between the two heads of state, support each other in hosting commemorative events for the 80th anniversary of the victories of the Soviet Union’s Great Patriotic War and the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, and deepen practical cooperation in various fields. Both sides should jointly support Brazil in fulfilling its responsibilities as the chair of the BRICS mechanism and work for more positive outcomes in BRICS cooperation.

Continue reading Lula: China’s resolute and strong countermeasures against “reciprocal tariffs” are admirable

Wang Yi: The BRICS family stands at the forefront of the Global South

Following his visit to Kazakhstan, where he attended the Foreign Ministers meeting of China and Central Asian countries, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi travelled on to Brazil to attend meetings of the BRICS cooperation mechanism preparatory to its summit meeting later this year. Brazil is this year’s revolving Chair of BRICS.

On April 28, Wang Yi attended Session I of the Meeting of BRICS Ministers of Foreign Affairs in Rio de Janeiro. Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira chaired the event.

Wang Yi said that this year marks the 80th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations. The founding of the United Nations opened a brand-new chapter for all countries to jointly build peace and seek development and has promoted remarkable progress in human civilisation. Today, 80 years later, the international landscape has undergone profound changes, the world has entered a period of turbulence and transformation, and the cause of peace and development is facing new and severe challenges. The basic concepts of international cooperation have been eroded, the foundation for the development of international relations has been continuously challenged, and the international environment for peace and development is under assault. At a critical juncture in history, whether countries can make the right choices is crucial to the future of humanity. As positive constructive forces for good on the international stage, BRICS countries should take the lead in being the mainstay of the cause of peace and development.

To this end, Wang Yi made four calls:

  • To pursue universal security.
  • To actively promote peace talks.
  • To consolidate the foundation for development.
  • To strengthen practical cooperation.

All parties welcomed Indonesia’s first attendance as a full member at the Meeting of BRICS Ministers of Foreign Affairs and stressed that efforts should be made to safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of BRICS countries and the common interests of the Global South, to promote the establishment of a more just and equitable international order, and to facilitate open, inclusive and sustainable development.

On April 29, the session for Ministers of Foreign Affairs / International Relations from BRICS members and partner countries was held in Rio de Janeiro. The session was chaired by Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira. Foreign ministers and senior representatives from 19 countries discussed ways to strengthen cooperation in the Global South and uphold multilateralism.

Addressing the meeting, Wang Yi said that, today, the BRICS family, with a total population of over half of the world’s population and an economic output accounting for nearly 30 percent of the global total, stands at the forefront of the Global South.

He stressed that faced with hegemonism, BRICS countries must uphold principles and serve as the main force in defending fairness and justice. In the face of unilateralism, BRICS countries must stand at the forefront and be the backbone in promoting solidarity and cooperation.

He made three calls in this regard:

  • To defend the core position of the United Nations.
  • To promote the peaceful settlement of disputes.
  • To foster an open and cooperative international environment.

Wang Yi stated that BRICS members should keep their doors wide open and embrace partner countries to help them deeply integrate into BRICS and fully participate in cooperation, so as to ensure the vibrant development of the mechanism. Continuous efforts should be made to expand the “BRICS Plus” model and bring together more like-minded countries to pool forces for peace and development.

He added that the solution to the world’s problems lies in upholding and practicing multilateralism. The expanded Greater BRICS should continue to advocate for extensive consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits, uphold the basic principles of international relations, defend the multilateral trading system, and build a more just and equitable global governance system.

Wang Yi said that in the face of the United States wielding the tariff stick globally, all countries must make the choices: Should the world return to the law of the jungle where the strong prey on the weak? Can the selfish interests of one country override the common interests of all nations? Should international rules be ignored or even abandoned? Do compromise and retreat ensure that one stays out of trouble? The ultimate question is whether to accept a unipolar hegemony dominated by one country or embrace an equal and orderly multipolar world.

Continue reading Wang Yi: The BRICS family stands at the forefront of the Global South

From Bandung to BRICS: the inexorable rise of the Global South

The following is the text of the speech given by our co-editor Keith Bennett to the webinar jointly organised by Friends of Socialist China and the International Manifesto Group on Sunday 27 April, 2025, marking the 70th anniversary of the historic Africa Asia Conference held in the Indonesian city of Bandung.

In his speech, Keith outlined the historic significance of the Bandung Conference, linking it both to its antecedents as well as to the later institutions of the Global South that it inspired, such as the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) and the BRICS cooperation mechanism.

He pays particular attention to the key role played by Chinese Premier Zhou Enlai at the conference and cites Malcolm X, who highlighted the broad unity that Bandung embodied.

We called this meeting to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the Bandung Conference and to affirm its continued relevance.

What do I mean by that?

It was a key moment in the evolution and development of the international situation post-World War 2.

It came at the cusp of the anti-imperialist national liberation movement:

  • Just after the liberation of China, itself preceded by the independence of India, Pakistan, Ceylon (now Sri Lanka) and Burma (now Myanmar).
  • When Korea and Indochina were at the forefront of the global diplomatic agenda – this being the year after the 1954 Geneva Conference.
  • Just prior to the great wave of decolonisation in Africa, to begin with the independence of Ghana from British colonial rule, under the leadership of Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah in March 1957, followed by the independence of Guinea from French colonial rule, under the leadership of Ahmed Sekou Toure, in October 1958.
  • And with the world waking up to the full iniquity of the apartheid regime being progressively consolidated – with newly independent India having been the first country to raise the question at the United Nations.

It was against this backdrop that Bandung established a distinct and common Africa Asia identity as a political concept and geopolitical reality.

Of course, there were antecedents, to a great extent related to the international communist movement and to actually existing socialism:

  • The Communist International had convened the Baku Congress of the Peoples of the East in September 1920.
  • In 1927, again at the instigation of the Communist International, delegates including Jawaharlal Nehru of India, Song Qingling (Mme. Sun Yat-Sen) from China, and indeed Fenner Brockway from Britain’s Independent Labour Party, had gathered in Brussels to found the League Against Imperialism.
  • And in 1945, Manchester hosted the fifth Pan African Congress, attended by three future African heads of state – Kwame Nkrumah, Jomo Kenyatta of Kenya and Hastings Banda of Malawi – along with the African-American scholar and revolutionary Dr. WEB Du Bois, who had attended the first congress in Paris in 1919, and Amy Ashwood Garvey, the widow of Marcus Garvey.

But Bandung occurred at a qualitatively different historical moment in that it was an initiative of independent sovereign states – and in the main of newly independent sovereign states that had just set out on the road of building a new society. They therefore represented what both Indonesian President Sukarno, the host of the conference, and Korean leader Kim Il Sung referred to as the new emerging forces.

Continue reading From Bandung to BRICS: the inexorable rise of the Global South

BRICS laying the groundwork for a more balanced global financial system

In the following article, which was originally published in China Daily, Endalkachew Sime, a former Minister of Planning and Development in Ethiopia, who is currently studying for his PhD at Peking University, provides a balanced overview of the trend towards de-dollarisation and the role played by the BRICS+ cooperation mechanism.

He notes that it has emerged as a pivotal actor in this regard, adding: “This strategic shift seeks to reduce dependence on the US dollar in international trade, investments and monetary reserves.” But “far from being an antagonistic move against the United States, it represents a pragmatic effort by the BRICS nations to assert financial autonomy and protect their economies from external shocks.” The New Development Bank, established by the BRICS nations in 2015, represents a concrete institutional response to dollar dominance and China’s trade with such major partners as Russia and South Africa have seen significant shifts away from the ‘greenback’.

BRICS nations have also developed alternative payment systems to bypass traditional US-dominated infrastructure. China’s Cross-Border Interbank Payment System and Russia’s System for Transfer of Financial Messages offer alternatives to SWIFT, while India’s rupee-based trade settlement mechanism challenges the US dollar’s dominance in regional trade. These systems enhance financial sovereignty by providing secure, independent channels for international transactions.

Moreover, by diversifying their foreign exchange reserves into alternative currencies and assets – such as the euro, yen and gold – BRICS countries aim to enhance financial stability. Gold reserves have seen particularly dramatic increases.

Sime notes that: “Developing economies face significant risks when their financial systems are closely tied to the US dollar. Changes in US interest rates, quantitative easing, or other monetary policies can trigger capital flows, currency volatility, and economic instability in dollar-dependent economies. By reducing dollar dependence, Global South nations can insulate themselves from these external shocks and maintain greater control over their domestic economic policies. US sanctions have become a powerful tool of economic coercion, particularly against countries such as Russia, Iran and Venezuela. De-dollarisation efforts provide a mechanism for these nations to conduct international trade and finance outside the reach of US sanctions.”

He adds that the current global financial architecture disproportionately benefits developed economies, particularly the US. By creating alternative financial institutions and mechanisms, BRICS nations contribute to a more multipolar system where multiple currencies and financial architectures coexist. This evolution could lead to greater fairness and representation for developing economies in global financial governance.

However, he goes on to warn: “Despite these advances, challenges remain in establishing a fully integrated BRICS financial architecture. The heterogeneity of economic structures, political priorities, and developmental stages among member countries complicates coordination. Furthermore, the US dollar retains its dominance in global finance, and transitioning to alternative systems requires significant investment and institutional development.”

Nevertheless, he concludes: “By creating alternative financial institutions and instruments, BRICS nations are laying the groundwork for a more balanced global financial system. This shift could potentially reduce the effectiveness of the US’ politically motivated unilateral sanctions, enhance financial sovereignty for developing economies, and promote greater stability in international monetary relations… De-dollarisation represents not a threat to the global economic system but an opportunity to create a more resilient and equitable architecture that respects the sovereign economic interests of all nations. For the Global South, this movement is fundamentally about protecting domestic economies from external shocks, asserting financial autonomy, and participating in a more multipolar world order.”

The “BRICS Plus” grouping — Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Saudi Arabia, Iran, the United Arab Emirates and Indonesia — has emerged as a pivotal actor in the global movement toward de-dollarization. This strategic shift seeks to reduce dependence on the US dollar in international trade, investments and monetary reserves. Far from being an antagonistic move against the United States, it represents a pragmatic effort by the BRICS nations to assert financial autonomy and protect their economies from external shocks.

The US dollar accounted for about 58 percent of global foreign currency reserves and 88 percent of the daily foreign exchange market turnover as of 2023. However, this dominance creates vulnerabilities for countries whose economies are closely tied to its performance.

The New Development Bank, established in 2015 with an initial capital of $50 billion, represents a concrete institutional response to the dollar dominance. By 2023, the NDB had approved over $30 billion in funding for infrastructure and sustainable development projects across BRICS nations, with approximately 30 percent of these funds disbursed in nondollar currencies. Further, the Contingent Reserve Arrangement, a $100 billion financial safety net established in 2014, provides liquidity support in nondollar currencies during financial crises. This mechanism helps BRICS nations mitigate the risks associated with dollar volatility and potential capital flight.

Bilateral trade settlements have seen significant shifts away from the dollar. For instance, the share of the US dollar in Russia-China bilateral trade settlement plummeted from nearly 90 percent in 2015 to 46 percent in the first half of 2020, while the use of local currencies in India-Russia bilateral trade surged from 6 percent to 30 percent between 2014 and 2019. Similarly, the renminbi’s usage in South African trade grew by 65 percent in 2016 alone. These changes reflect a deliberate strategy to reduce exposure to dollar fluctuations and enhance trade stability.

Continue reading BRICS laying the groundwork for a more balanced global financial system

Understanding the role of BRICS+ in global progress

In the following important article, Dr. Jenny Clegg sets out and responds to eight key criticisms and questions concerning the BRICS+ cooperation mechanism – its nature, significance and role -and argues that, in representing a significant challenge to US hegemony, it contributes to the movement towards a multipolar world.

Noting that, the rise of the BRICS+ has divided left opinion, Jenny writes that: “Critics see, at best, a collection of disorderly capitalist states which, tied to the dollar and lacking political coherence, are in no position to form a real alternative to the existing global order and, in fact, do not even aspire to do so.” She acknowledges that: “The significance of BRICS+ should not be exaggerated: they are in no position to serve as a counterweight to the advanced capitalist states.”

However, “BRICS+ is, in fact, the driver of global growth. In the last 10 years, China and India alone comprised 47 per cent of world growth; now, according to the IMF, the average growth of the BRICS+ this year will be close to 4 per cent while the sluggish G7 barely makes 1 per cent.”

And whilst “talk of dedollarisation has indeed been overhyped… the group is developing a sanctions-proof cross-border payments system and has seen a notable increase in intra-BRICS trading in local currencies, greatly reducing losses in exchange rate charges and currency fluctuations. With BRICS+ partners now added to the scheme, potentially 30-plus per cent of global trade could begin to transition away from using the dollar.”

Turning to the accusation that “the larger BRICS+ members are just pursuing sub-imperialist and neo-imperialist agendas,” whilst acknowledging that “ambitions of national aggrandisement are at play among some of the more powerful BRICS members”, she argues that, “BRICS+ has emerged amidst a rise in diplomatic activity within the developing regions and should not be divorced from this wider momentum in the Global South. To assume that smaller developing countries are passively succumbing to subordinate positions under regional hegemons is frankly patronising.

“From the proposals of Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley on tackling debt to the former colonised states’ demands for reparations at the recent Commonwealth Summit to the Caribbean Islands’ proposals for a fund to cover the damage caused by extreme climate events, to name but a few, smaller developing countries are asserting their own agency.”

Jenny also argues that the BRICS+ approach is dual: developing cooperative economic arrangements step by step directed at strengthening the development of member states, so shifting the overall material economic and political balance to build pressure on the World Bank, IMF and WTO to become more inclusive.

“To dismiss this incremental approach as global social democracy, diluting true socialist opposition to imperialism, is to fail to come to terms with the reality of unequal world power so as to develop a concrete strategy for change.”

Taking issue with those who assail BRICS+ for a supposed lack of sufficient anti-imperialist rigour, Jenny responds that:

“It is in its resistance to taking sides in the US’s new cold war that BRICS+ is of such immense significance – a brake on the US-led path of war. Each member brings its own perspective – non-aligned, multi-aligned, anti-imperialist — to the organisation, but no matter how cautious and tentative their individual foreign policies may be, these are all to be valued as ways of exercising independence against the US new cold war.

“It is in the diversity of the BRICS+ that its strength lies. This is not about pro- and anti-Western blocs –  the real choice is between peaceful coexistence and the road to a third world war.”

Answering those who say that BRICS+ is too riven by disputes among its members to build a peaceful world, she draws attention to the recent agreement, on the eve of the BRICS+ summit in Kazan, between key members China and India on the management of their border dispute.

She concludes, in words that have only acquired even more cogency and urgency with US President-elect Donald Trump’s threat to impose 100% tariff rates on the BRICS+ nations should they attempt to develop alternatives to dollar hegemony:

Measuring BRICS+ against preconceived notions of socialism or even anti-imperialism is abstract and utopian, absent of any strategy to end US hegemony and Western dominance. It is in removing these obstacles that the door to socialist advance can be opened.

Taking BRICS+ out of context to knock them down is to wave a false red flag in the face of the very real dangers of war. Now, as Donald Trump brings new international challenges, and with liberal internationalism beyond resuscitation, it is imperative for the left to look South, not least to BRICS+ with its offer of a viable progressive project.

Jenny is an anti-war activist and China specialist. The author of ‘China’s Global Strategy: Towards a multipolar world’ (published by Pluto Press), she is also a member of our advisory group. Her article was first published by the Morning Star.

THE Brics+ Kazan summit in Russia stood out as a pillar of stability in an increasingly volatile and dangerous world. With wars raging in Ukraine and the Middle East, pushing the UN system to breakdown, it kept the spirit of multilateralism alive.

Gathering leaders and representatives from 36 countries, the meeting was the first for the enlarged grouping, which last year added UAE, Ethiopia, Egypt and Iran to the existing Russia, China, India, Brazil and South Africa.

The rise of the Brics+ has divided left opinion. Supporters claim it to be transformative, tipping the global balance against the G7 and spelling the end of US hegemony as bearers of a new international financial order and a more peaceful world.

Critics see, at best, a collection of disorderly capitalist states which, tied to the dollar and lacking political coherence, are in no position to form a real alternative to the existing global order and, in fact, do not even aspire to do so.

The significance of Brics+ should not be exaggerated: they are in no position to serve as a counterweight to the advanced capitalist states.

Brics+ comprises 33 per cent of world GDP (purchasing power parity), overtaking the G7 at 29 per cent. Nevertheless, given their members’ much lower per capita income and technological advancement, they remain far weaker.

What should not be missed here, though, is that Brics+ is, in fact, the driver of global growth. In the last 10 years, China and India alone comprised 47 per cent of world growth; now, according to the IMF, the average growth of the Brics+ this year will be close to 4 per cent while the sluggish G7 barely makes 1 per cent.

The adoption of partnerships for countries at Kazan as a stage to full membership also considerably amplifies Brics+ influence. The as-yet unconfirmed list of 13 partners includes Nigeria and Algeria, making all five of Africa’s largest economies part of the Brics+ zone while bringing in Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia and Vietnam, as well as Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan to extend Brics+ influence across the whole of Asia, a continent containing the world’s fastest-growing regions.

The Brics+ real significance lies in the future: in 10 to 15 years, China may become the leading world economic power; India, number three; new partner Indonesia, number five; with other new partners Malaysia, Nigeria and Thailand moving up the top 20.

Right now, with its reach into the different developing continents opening up new corridors of trade and communication, Brics+ is well placed to shape the multipolar future.

Predictions of Brics+ replacing the dollar-based global financial system are no more than a pipe dream.

Brics came together originally for economic reasons: to share opportunities for development, trade and investment, their large populations offering great mutual potential. Following the West’s freeze on Russian assets after its invasion of Ukraine, concerns about reducing reliance on the US dollar also became a priority.

Talk of dedollarisation has indeed been overhyped. The Brics+ aim as a collective is to end dollar hegemony — not to replace the dollar system but to reduce dependence on it. To this end, the group is developing a sanctions-proof cross-border payments system and has seen a notable increase in intra-Brics trading in local currencies, greatly reducing losses in exchange rate charges and currency fluctuations.

With Brics+ partners now added to the scheme, potentially 30-plus per cent of global trade could begin to transition away from using the dollar. Such a shift could spark the sell-off of US dollars on a large scale.

The fact is that much of world’s future development will not take place under US economic hegemony. Put another way, the Brics+ trajectory is towards gradually breaking the US monopoly of financial power.

Continue reading Understanding the role of BRICS+ in global progress

Xi meets with leaders of Russia, Laos, Iran, Egypt and Vietnam

Chinese President Xi Jinping held a number of bilateral meetings with fellow leaders in the margins of the BRICS Summit, which was held, October 22-24, in the Russian city of Kazan.

Xi met with his host, President Vladimir Putin on the day of his arrival. He said that China and Russia have found the right way for neighbouring major countries to get along with each other, which features non-alliance, non-confrontation and not targeting any third party.

Noting that this year marks the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Russia, Xi said that over the past years, the relationship between the two countries has weathered challenges.

Noting that the world today is facing momentous transformations unseen in a century, resulting in a fast-changing and turbulent international landscape, he expressed confidence that the profound and lasting friendship between China and Russia will not change, nor will their sense of responsibility as major countries for the world and for the people.

Despite complex and severe external challenges, bilateral cooperation in areas such as trade continues to advance, and large-scale joint projects remain stable in operation, he said, adding that both countries should further promote the alignment of the Belt and Road Initiative with the Eurasian Economic Union to support their respective high-quality economic development.

Next year marks the 80th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations and the victory of the World Anti-Fascist War, Xi stressed. China and Russia, both permanent members of the UN Security Council and major countries in the world, should deepen comprehensive strategic coordination, strengthen communication and coordination within multilateral frameworks such as the United Nations and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, promote a correct view of World War II history, firmly uphold the UN-centred international system, and jointly safeguard global strategic stability along with international fairness and justice.

President Vladimir Putin said that thanks to joint efforts from both sides, the Russia-China cooperation, based on equality, mutual respect, and mutual benefit, continues to advance, and the activities of the Russia-China Years of Culture have been successfully held, adding that Russia stands ready to further deepen cooperation with China and boost the development and revitalisation of both countries.

Noting that next year marks the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, Putin said that both Russia and China made tremendous sacrifices for victory in the World Anti-Fascist War, and that Russia is willing to commemorate this important milestone together with China.

Also on October 22, Xi met with Thongloun Sisoulith, General Secretary of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party (LPRP) Central Committee and President of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic (LPDR), saying that the two sides should continue to strengthen the development of the China-Laos Railway and promote the construction of the China-Laos Economic Corridor.

As socialist comrades and brothers, the relations with Laos are of special importance in China’s neighbourhood diplomacy, and the two countries have always stayed at the forefront of building a community with a shared future, Xi said, adding that regardless of how the international situation changes, China will always be a trustworthy friend and partner of Laos.

Congratulating Laos on successfully hosting the East Asian Leaders’ meetings on cooperation, the Chinese President said he welcomes Laos’ active participation in BRICS cooperation.

Thongloun Sisoulith said that he went to China last year to attend the third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation and signed with Xi a new version of the action plan for building a China-Laos community with a shared future, which is being implemented effectively at present.

Laos-China relations are at their best in history, with bilateral cooperation expanding in depth and breadth, he added.

The following day, Xi met with the new Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and said that no matter how the international and regional situations change, China will unswervingly develop friendly cooperation with Iran.

Continue reading Xi meets with leaders of Russia, Laos, Iran, Egypt and Vietnam

Kazan Declaration: Strengthening multilateralism for just global development and security

The BRICS cooperation mechanism of Emerging Markets and Developing Countries took a major step forward at its 16th Summit held in the Russian city of Kazan, October 22-24. Following decisions taken at last year’s summit in South Africa, a total of nine countries took part as full members for the first time, with Ethiopia, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Iran joining Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. A total of 36 countries and subnational entities participated at a high level, along with the leaders of six international organisations. A new category of Partner countries was formally initiated and is seen by many as a steppingstone to possible future full membership for the several dozen countries that have already expressed such an interest. An initial tranche of 13 countries were granted partner status in Kazan. The list of countries is yet to be officially released, but numerous reports have identified them as:

  • Algeria
  • Belarus
  • Bolivia
  • Cuba
  • Indonesia
  • Kazakhstan
  • Malaysia
  • Nigeria
  • Thailand
  • Türkiye
  • Uganda
  • Uzbekistan
  • Vietnam

On October 23, the nine full members adopted the Kazan Declaration, entitled ”Strengthening Multilateralism for Just Global Development and Security”. Running to a little over 13,300 words, and with 134 clauses, the declaration covers a vast number of subjects and itself reflects and reinforces the growing – although not without challenges – cohesiveness of key players in the Global South. It states:

“As we build upon 16 years of BRICS Summits, we further commit ourselves to strengthening cooperation in the expanded BRICS under the three pillars of political and security, economic and financial, cultural and people-to-people cooperation and to enhancing our strategic partnership for the benefit of our people through the promotion of peace, a more representative, fairer international order, a reinvigorated and reformed multilateral system, sustainable development and inclusive growth.”

It further notes the emergence of new centres of power, policy decision-making and economic growth, which can pave the way for a more equitable, just, democratic and balanced multipolar world order.

The declaration reaffirms support for a comprehensive reform of the United Nations, including its Security Council, with a view to making it more democratic, representative, effective and efficient, and to increase the representation of developing countries in the Council’s memberships so that it can adequately respond to prevailing global challenges and support the legitimate aspirations of emerging and developing countries from Africa, Asia and Latin America, including BRICS countries, to play a greater role in international affairs, in particular in the United Nations, including its Security Council, adding:

“We are deeply concerned about the disruptive effect of unlawful unilateral coercive measures, including illegal sanctions, on the world economy, international trade, and the achievement of the sustainable development goals. Such measures undermine the UN Charter, the multilateral trading system, the sustainable development and environmental agreements. They also negatively impact economic growth, energy, health and food security, exacerbating poverty and environmental challenges.”

It recalls the 2001 Durban Declaration and Programme of Action (DDPA) and the Outcome Document of the 2009 Durban Review Conference and acknowledges the need to intensify the fight against racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance as well as discrimination based on religion, faith or belief, and all their contemporary forms around the world including the alarming trends of rising hate speech, and acknowledge the annual UNGA resolution on “Combating glorification of Nazism, neo-Nazism, and other practices that contribute to fuelling contemporary forms of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance”.

Continue reading Kazan Declaration: Strengthening multilateralism for just global development and security

Xi Jinping: Global South countries marching together toward modernisation is monumental in world history

The summit meeting of the BRICS cooperation mechanism was held, October 22-24, in Kazan, the capital city of the Republic of Tatarstan in the Russian Federation, and was hosted by Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Alongside dozens of other events within its framework, the summit of the nine full members of BRICS was held on October 23, under the theme “Strengthening Multilateralism for Equitable Global Development and Security”. This was the first such gathering in which Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa were joined by Ethiopia, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Iran, since the 2023 summit meeting held in South Africa invited the latter four countries to take up full membership in the first wave of BRICS expansion.

This meeting was followed, on October 24, by the “BRICS Plus” Leaders Dialogue, the first gathering of its kind, which was held under the theme, “BRICS and the Global South: Building a Better World Together”.

In all, the Kazan gathering drew the participation of leaders of 36 countries and territories, including 22 heads of state. The leaders of six international organisations, including the Secretary-General of the United Nations, also attended.

Chinese President Xi Jinping delivered keynote speeches at both the October 23 and 24 meetings. Together, they provide correct strategic guidance to advance the collective agenda and shared goals of the Global South at the present time.

On October 23, President Xi addressed the BRICS Summit, with a speech entitled, “Embracing a Broader View and Cutting Through the Fog of Challenges to Advance High-Quality Development of Greater BRICS Cooperation”.  He said:

“I would like to take this opportunity to once again welcome new members to our BRICS family. The enlargement of BRICS is a major milestone in its history and a landmark event in the evolution of the international situation. At this summit, we have decided to invite many countries to become partner countries, which is another major progress in the development of BRICS…

“As the world enters a new period defined by turbulence and transformation, we are confronted with pivotal choices that will shape our future. Should we allow the world to descend into the abyss of disorder and chaos, or should we strive to steer it back on the path of peace and development? This reminds me of a novel by Nikolay Chernyshevsky entitled ‘What Is to Be Done?’ The protagonist’s unwavering determination and passionate drive are exactly the kind of willpower we need today. The more tumultuous our times become, the more we must stand firm at the forefront, exhibiting tenacity, demonstrating the audacity to pioneer and displaying the wisdom to adapt. We must work together to build BRICS into a primary channel for strengthening solidarity and cooperation among Global South nations and a vanguard for advancing global governance reform.”

Setting out the key tasks for BRICS members at present, Xi said that:

– We should build a BRICS committed to peace and we must all act as defenders of common security. In this context he specifically referred to the conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East. “The Ukraine crisis still persists. China and Brazil, in collaboration with other countries from the Global South, initiated a group of Friends for Peace to address the crisis. The aim is to gather more voices advocating peace. We must uphold the three key principles: no expansion of the battlefields, no escalation of hostilities, and no fanning flames, and strive for swift de-escalation of the situation. While the humanitarian situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate, the flames of war have once again been rekindled in Lebanon, and conflicts are escalating among the parties. We must promote an immediate ceasefire and an end to the killing. We must make unremitting efforts toward a comprehensive, just and lasting resolution of the Palestinian question.”

– We should build a BRICS committed to innovation, and we must all act as pioneers of high-quality development. China has recently launched a China-BRICS Artificial Intelligence Development and Cooperation Centre. We are ready to deepen cooperation on innovation with all BRICS countries to unleash the dividends of AI development.

– We should build a BRICS committed to green development, and we must all act as promoters of sustainable development. Green is the defining colour of our times. It is important that all BRICS countries proactively embrace the global trend of green and low-carbon transformation.

– We should build a BRICS committed to justice and we must all act as forerunners in reforming global governance. In light of the rise of the Global South, we should respond favourably to the calls from various countries to join BRICS. We should advance the process of expanding BRICS membership and establishing a partner country mechanism and enhance the representation and voice of developing nations in global governance. 

– The current developments make the reform of the international financial architecture all the more pressing. The New Development Bank should be expanded and strengthened.

– We should build a BRICS committed to closer people-to-people exchanges, and we must all act as advocates for harmonious coexistence among all civilisations.

In conclusion he stated: “China is willing to work with all BRICS countries to open a new horizon in the high-quality development of greater BRICS cooperation and join hands with Global South countries in building a community with a shared future for humanity.”

Xi Jinping addressed the BRICS Plus Dialogue on the theme, “Combining the Great Strength of the Global South to Build Together a Community with a Shared Future for Humanity”. He said that:

“The collective rise of the Global South is a distinctive feature of the great transformation across the world. Global South countries marching together toward modernisation is monumental in world history and unprecedented in human civilisation.”

He went on to argue that:

– We should uphold peace and strive for common security. Last July, Palestinian factions reconciled with each other in Beijing, marking a key step toward peace in the Middle East. We must stop the flames of war from spreading in Lebanon and end the miserable sufferings in Palestine and Lebanon.

– We should reinvigorate development and strive for common prosperity.

– We should promote together the development of all civilisations and strive for harmony among them.

Xi Jinping concluded: “No matter how the international landscape evolves, we in China will always keep the Global South in our heart and maintain our roots in the Global South. We support more Global South countries in joining the cause of BRICS as full members, partner countries or in the “BRICS Plus” format so that we can combine the great strength of the Global South to build together a community with a shared future for humanity.”

The following is the full text of the two speeches. They were originally published by the Xinhua News Agency.

Full Text: Address by Chinese President Xi Jinping at 16th BRICS Summit

KAZAN, Russia, Oct. 23 (Xinhua) — Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday delivered an important speech at the 16th BRICS Summit in Kazan, Russia.

The following is the full text of the speech:

Embracing a Broader View and Cutting Through the Fog of Challenges to Advance High-Quality Development of Greater BRICS Cooperation

Your Excellency President Vladimir Putin,

Colleagues,

First of all, I wish to extend my warm congratulations on the successful opening of this summit. I also wish to thank President Putin and our host Russia for the thoughtful arrangements and warm hospitality.

I would like to take this opportunity to once again welcome new members to our BRICS family. The enlargement of BRICS is a major milestone in its history, and a landmark event in the evolution of the international situation. At this summit, we have decided to invite many countries to become partner countries, which is another major progress in the development of BRICS. As we Chinese often say, “A man of virtue regards righteousness as the greatest interest.” It is for our shared pursuit and for the overarching trend of peace and development that we BRICS countries have come together. We must make full use of this summit, maintain the momentum of BRICS, and consider and devise our strategy to address issues that have a global impact, determine our future direction, and possess strategic significance. We must build on this milestone summit to set off anew and forge ahead with one heart and one mind.

As the world enters a new period defined by turbulence and transformation, we are confronted with pivotal choices that will shape our future. Should we allow the world to descend into the abyss of disorder and chaos, or should we strive to steer it back on the path of peace and development? This reminds me of a novel by Nikolay Chernyshevsky entitled What Is to Be Done? The protagonist’s unwavering determination and passionate drive are exactly the kind of willpower we need today. The more tumultuous our times become, the more we must stand firm at the forefront, exhibiting tenacity, demonstrating the audacity to pioneer and displaying the wisdom to adapt. We must work together to build BRICS into a primary channel for strengthening solidarity and cooperation among Global South nations and a vanguard for advancing global governance reform.

Continue reading Xi Jinping: Global South countries marching together toward modernisation is monumental in world history

Jenny Clegg: Orienting our peace movement towards the Global South

The following is the text of Dr. Jenny Clegg’s speech to our conference celebrating the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, held at London’s Bolivar Hall on September 28.

Jenny argues that now, as a wider war looms over us, it is imperative that leftists in the West understand the interconnections between multipolarity, the Global South and China so as to grasp what is going on in the world.

According to her analysis, for the Global South, China provides a model of successful development and the eradication of poverty; its vast market and investment resources puts it at the centre of South-South economic cooperation; whilst its diplomacy fosters unity and promotes pathways towards peace.

Whilst not skirting complexities and problematic factors, she notes that in the next few years, much depends on the BRICS+ holding together.

“The litmus test of BRICS+ right now is their independent foreign policies no matter how hesitant and unreliable… Now is not the time for sitting on the fence, picking and choosing what is right and wrong: that is for the utopian socialists. We have to seize the politics of the moment… if we in Britain can orientate especially our peace movement towards the Global South we will be doing something.”

Jenny is an independent writer and researcher, specialising in China’s development and international role; and a former Senior Lecturer in Asia Pacific Studies at the University of Central Lancashire (UCLAN). She is the author of ‘China’s Global Strategy: towards a multipolar world’

(Pluto Press, 2009) and ‘Storming the Heavens – Peasants and Revolution in China, 1925-1949 – from a Marxist perspective’ (Manifesto Press, 2024).

There’s more talk now in the Western mainstream about multipolarity, some acknowledgement at least that the world is beginning to change. But 15 years ago, when I was researching for my book on ‘China’s Global Strategy’, I really struggled to find any mention of multipolarity in Western literature.  Yet at the time there was a great deal of debate amongst Chinese scholars about where China fitted into the multipolar trend. 

Today mainstream views see a few random middle powers – Türkiye, Mexico, Malaysia, Australia – starting to play a more important role. The Chinese view, from a historical and materialist perspective, has long recognised multipolarisation as a rebalancing of world power driven by the rise of the Global South.

Now, as a wider war looms over us, it is imperative that leftists in the West understand the interconnections between multipolarity, the Global South and China so as to grasp what is going on in the world.

Amidst multiplying crises, Global South countries are increasingly looking to each other rather than the West.  Given their experiences of vaccine apartheid, high interest rates exacerbating debt, inflation from the Ukraine war, the failure of rich nations to cough up on climate change, Global South countries have every reason to come together as a more vocal force for peace and development.

South-South networks are proliferating; the objective conditions for multipolarisation are unfolding – India and Brazil have risen into the top 10 world economies soon to be followed by Mexico, Indonesia, Nigeria displacing G7 members. And subjective consciousness is shifting: one after another, countries across the developing world refused to take sides in the Ukraine conflict – now they are united in horror of Israel’s genocide and in anger and disgust at the double standards of the West’s complicity.

Of course, past experience has shown Global South collective efforts are liable to succumb to imperialist division as when their 1974 call for a New International Economic order fell apart by the 1980s.

Today, the role of China as by far the largest developing state is critical.

For the Global South, China provides a model of successful development and the eradication of poverty; its vast market and investment resources puts it at the centre of South-South economic cooperation; whilst its diplomacy fosters unity and promotes pathways towards peace.

For sure there are problems – reproducing the pattern of colonial trade of raw materials for manufactured goods is hard to change in a short time. Investment projects through the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) have not always been the best or wisest, but even if as many as 40 percent run into difficulties – as some critics claim – that means 60 percent are working and are making a difference.

Now China is opening a path for developing countries to leapfrog into a green and digitised future. Throwing itself into the growth of new quality productive forces domestically, China is becoming the indispensable power in the global green transition.

Deals with China in general offer something stable to hold onto in an anarchic world economy. Against the colonial pattern, the recent China-Africa summit saw important commitments which will amount to one million jobs for African people.

Now, catching the new momentum in the Global South, China has accelerated its diplomatic activity in forums such as the SCO, the G77+, the BRICS+, the China-Africa and other such forums. Its global initiatives on development, security and civilisation carry forward the basic principles of the UN Charter building on the five principles of peaceful coexistence and the 1955 Bandung agreement.

Continue reading Jenny Clegg: Orienting our peace movement towards the Global South

Working together for peace, development and a brighter future for BRICS

During his recent visit to New York to attend the annual general debate of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) and related activities, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi addressed a meeting of foreign ministers from the BRICS cooperation mechanism, which was held at the UN headquarters on September 26.

Wang Yi told his counterparts that: “As leading members of the Global South, we BRICS countries should pursue our own success while promoting the greater good and make our contribution to an equal and orderly multipolar world and a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalisation.”

He went on to say that the BRICS members should promote common security and strive for lasting peace. In today’s world where countries are dependent on each other, humanity lives in an inseparable community of security. No country has the right to manipulate the global security agenda or seek its own security at the expense of others.

On Ukraine, the BRICS should “uphold the principles of no expansion of the battlefield, no escalation of fighting and no fanning the flames by any party, and encourage dialogue and negotiation for the settlement of the crisis. The six-point common understanding jointly released by Brazil and China to this end has received varying degrees of positive response from over 100 countries.

“On Palestine, China stands firmly with Arab countries. We must push for the early realisation of a comprehensive and lasting ceasefire in Gaza, support Palestine’s full UN membership, and implement the two-State solution, in a bid to bring enduring peace to the Middle East.”

The BRICS countries should stay focused on development, follow true multilateralism and improve global governance:

“When hegemonic and bullying acts run unchecked, human civilisation will revert to the law of the jungle. It is important that we firmly defend the international system with the UN at its core, uphold the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, and reject a selective application.”

He added: “Next month, BRICS will hold its first summit following its membership expansion… We should support Russia’s chairmanship, and take the summit as an opportunity to send a strong message of upholding fairness and justice and promoting common development… We should also step up efforts to set up the Partner Country category, which is a consensus reached by BRICS leaders at the Johannesburg Summit last year and a mission we must accomplish. We need to keep the door open to new members, so as to provide more vigour and drive to the development of BRICS.”

The following is the full text of Wang Yi’s speech. It was originally published on the website of the Chinese Foreign Ministry.

Dear colleagues,

It is a great pleasure to meet you all in New York.

The current international situation is marked by change and instability, and the world is experiencing disorder, slowing growth, uneven development, and a loss of focus in governance. The theme of this year’s General Debate—“Leaving no one behind”—highlights the widely shared aspiration for greater equality, security and prosperity in our world. As leading members of the Global South, we BRICS countries should pursue our own success while promoting the greater good, and make our contribution to an equal and orderly multipolar world and a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization.

—We should promote common security and strive for lasting peace. In today’s world where countries are dependent on each other, humanity live in an inseparable community of security. No country has the right to manipulate the global security agenda or seek its own security at the expense of others. It is important that we make good use of such BRICS mechanisms as the Meeting of Ministers of Foreign Affairs / International Relations and the Meeting of National Security Advisers and High Representatives on National Security to strengthen coordination on international and regional hotspots and make a joint response to the various challenges we face. On Ukraine, we should uphold the principles of no expansion of the battlefield, no escalation of fighting and no fanning the flames by any party, and encourage dialogue and negotiation for the settlement of the crisis. The six-point common understanding jointly released by Brazil and China to this end has received varying degrees of positive response from over 100 countries. On Palestine, China stands firmly with Arab countries. We must push for the early realization of a comprehensive and lasting ceasefire in Gaza, support Palestine’s full U.N. membership, and implement the two-State solution, in a bid to bring enduring peace to the Middle East.

—We should stay focused on development as a priority and remove hinderance to development. Development is an eternal pursuit of humanity and a major yardstick of the progress of times. The Global Development Initiative proposed by President Xi Jinping has received active support from the U.N. and a vast number of developing countries. BRICS should harness its strengths to drive development to the center of the U.N. agenda, stay attentive to the difficulties facing developing countries, urge developed countries to honor their promises, and give a stronger boost to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. It is important to keep in mind the urgent needs of developing countries in poverty reduction, development financing, and energy and food security, and seize the opportunities presented by the technological revolution and industrial transformation to foster new drivers for high-quality development.

—We should follow true multilateralism and improve global governance. When multilateralism is under attack, the world will be in disarray. When hegemonic and bullying acts run unchecked, human civilization will revert to the law of the jungle. It is important that we firmly defend the international system with the U.N. at its core, uphold the purposes and principles of the U.N. Charter, and reject a selective application of these purposes and principles. We could take the follow-up to the Summit of the Future as a chance to advance the reform of the international financial architecture, support countries of the South in participating fully in international economic decision-making, governance and rules-making, and increase their voice and representation. “Enhancing International Cooperation on Capacity-Building of Artificial Intelligence,” the resolution cosponsored by China and many other countries of the South, has been overwhelmingly adopted at the General Assembly. We welcome BRICS countries on board for its implementation so that more developing countries can benefit from it.

Colleagues,

Next month, BRICS will hold its first summit following its membership expansion. All eyes will be on this highly significant meeting. We should support Russia’s chairmanship, and take the summit as an opportunity to send a strong message of upholding fairness and justice and promoting common development. We could strive for new milestone outcomes in such areas as finance, AI, and energy and minerals to get the greater  BRICS cooperation off to a good start. We should also step up efforts to set up the Partner Country category, which is a consensus reached by BRICS leaders at the Johannesburg Summit last year and a mission we must accomplish. We need to keep the door open to new members, so as to provide more vigor and drive to the development of BRICS.

Colleagues,

Not long ago, the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China held its third plenary session. At the session, a new blueprint was drawn up to further advance Chinese modernization. As China pursues high-standard opening up and high-quality development, we will continue to view fellow BRICS countries as good companions and good partners. China will share development opportunities with BRICS countries and other countries around the world and seek more cooperation in building a community with a shared future for mankind.

Thank you.