Johannesburg, August 22, 2023 – The leaders of the BRICS nations gathered yesterday on the eve of their 15th summit in Johannesburg, marking a milestone in their collaboration as they explore the possibility of adding new members to their emerging-market bloc. With discussions revolving around potential expansion to counterbalance the perceived dominance of the US-led international order, the leaders’ public remarks underscored the importance of a multipolar world for global stability and cooperation.
The BRICS alliance, comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, has become an influential geopolitical force since its inception in 2001. Over the years, the group has focused on issues ranging from economic cooperation to political coordination and cultural exchange. As the international landscape continues to evolve, BRICS leaders are now considering the prospect of enlarging their bloc to include other nations that share similar aspirations.
Chinese President’s Call for Equitable Global Order
Chinese President Xi Jinping, highlighting the need for an equitable global order that reflects the interests of all nations said in a speech read by his commerce minister, Wang Wentao, “Should we pursue co-operation and integration or just succumb to division and confrontation? Should we work together to maintain peace and stability or just sleepwalk into the abyss of a new Cold War? He emphasised the importance of multipolarity and called on fellow BRICS members to consider expanding their alliance to include other emerging economies that seek a more balanced world order.
Russian President’s Focus on Economic Resilience
Russian President Vladimir Putin, who made his address via recorded video due to an International Criminal Court arrest warrant that made his travel to SA complicated followed President Xi’s remarks by emphasising the importance of economic resilience and cooperation in a rapidly changing world. Highlighting the potential for expanded trade and investment among BRICS nations and potential new entrants he said, “We co-operate on the principles of equality, partnership support, respect for each other’s interests, and this is the essence of the future-orientated strategic course of our association, a course that meets the aspirations of the main part of the world community, the so-called global majority.”
South African President’s Call for Unity
The summit Chair, South African President, Cyril Ramaphosa at the conclusion of the Brics Business Council ahead of the summit said, “The new wave of protectionism and the impact of unilateral measures that are incompatible with WTO rules undermine global economic growth and development.”
As the 15th BRICS summit officially begins tomorrow, leaders will engage in comprehensive discussions on the practicalities and implications of expanding the alliance. The potential inclusion of other emerging economies aims to create a collective force that can effectively address the challenges posed by the current global power dynamics. The outcome of these discussions could reshape the geopolitical landscape and influence the future trajectory of international relations.