On October 24, local time, President Xi Jinping attended the “BRICS+” Leaders Dialogue in Kazan, Russia, delivering a significant speech titled “Unifying the Powerful Forces of the Global South to Jointly Promote the Building of a Community with a Shared Future for Mankind.” In interviews with Xinhua News Agency, international representatives expressed that President Xi’s remarks profoundly understand the global landscape, deeply articulate the proposals for unity and cooperation among Global South countries, and showcase China’s commitment to guiding these nations toward modernization and a better world.
**Three Proposals to Lead Unity Among the Global South**
For the past twelve years, President Xi has either hosted or participated in BRICS leaders’ meetings, where he introduced the “BRICS+” cooperation model and put forth a series of important proposals to advance BRICS collaboration. During the recent “BRICS+” Leaders Dialogue, he proposed three key points: steadfastly pursuing peace to achieve common security; revitalizing development to ensure widespread prosperity; and fostering civilization to achieve harmonious diversity.
Tang Longgong Wusentilangu, Deputy Director of the Thai-Chinese Strategic Research Center at the National Research Council of Thailand, noted, “President Xi’s three proposals resonate with the historical trends of our time and align with the shared aspirations of BRICS nations and the Global South.” He emphasized that as the largest developing country, China consistently acts as a promoter and leader of unity and cooperation among the Global South, viewing itself as a steadfast member of this group.
Mahmood Hasan Khan, Executive Director of the Pakistan Institute of South Asia and International Studies, remarked that Xi’s speech sets forth a Chinese vision to propel and lead unity among the Global South, injecting stability into a world rife with upheaval.
“President Xi’s three proposals have garnered widespread resonance among the Global South countries,” said Somadoda Fikeni, Chairman of the Public Service Commission of South Africa and a political analyst. He noted that Xi’s address demonstrates China’s commitment to promoting multilateralism and achieving common development. There is growing interest among Global South nations in the BRICS cooperation mechanism established by China and its partners, as they seek to address development challenges and achieve economic revitalization.
According to Evandro Carvalho, an associate professor at the Fluminense Federal University and a professor at the Getulio Vargas Foundation in Brazil, the core of China’s important proposals centers on cooperation and communication, which can transcend differences in political systems, economies, and cultures. After analyzing President Xi’s speech, he expressed confidence in the future of BRICS, stating, “We have every reason to believe that under China’s leadership, BRICS will become a cornerstone of promoting multilateralism.”
**Three Global Initiatives to Brighten the Harmony of the World**
In light of unprecedented global changes, President Xi proposed three global initiatives that received positive responses from various parties. He highlighted that the Global Security Initiative has already made significant strides in maintaining regional stability; the Global Development Initiative has mobilized nearly $20 billion in development funding over three years, launching over 1,100 projects; and the Global Civilization Initiative is fostering a garden of diverse world civilizations.
Meraku Mulualem, an international relations and China expert at the Ethiopian Diplomacy Institute, remarked that President Xi’s three global initiatives contribute “Chinese wisdom and solutions” to advancing world modernization and are benefiting many nations. He pointed to the positive impacts of projects like the Addis Ababa-Djibouti Railway, the Luban Workshop, and the African Union headquarters, stating that “Chinese-style modernization is injecting vitality into global development.”
Ibrahim Hashim, a former advisor at the Executive Office of Abu Dhabi in the UAE, expressed particular concern for the Global Security Initiative. He noted the increasing instability in today’s world, highlighted by the ongoing Ukraine crisis and escalating tensions in the Middle East, alongside challenges to global supply chain security. As a key member of BRICS, China is actively promoting peace talks, having initiated a “friends of peace” group on the Ukraine crisis while facilitating diplomatic engagements between countries like Saudi Arabia and Iran, enhancing regional peace and stability amidst global uncertainty.
Senior Lao diplomat Sikoun Benvile expressed that the China-Laos Railway has significantly aided Laos in rapidly recovering its tourism market and effectively transporting goods, thereby rejuvenating the national economy from multiple challenges. He emphasized that the friendship and cooperation with China have brought numerous benefits to Laos, fostering substantial advancements in trade, investment, and tourism. “The three global initiatives embody China’s wisdom and proposals for promoting human peace and development,” he said.
In his speech, President Xi announced China’s initiative to establish a “Global South” think tank cooperation alliance to foster cultural exchange and mutually beneficial governance learning among nations. Mahmood Hasan Khan remarked that the unique political, economic, cultural, and institutional backgrounds of Global South countries make Xi’s emphasis on a Global Civilization Initiative—advocating for harmonious coexistence and multicultural harmony—impressively leave a lasting Chinese mark in the global cultural development process.
**Creating a New Era for Global Development**
President Xi stated that the collective rise of the “Global South” is a distinct hallmark of global changes. The collective move toward modernization among Global South countries represents a significant development in world history, marking an unprecedented accomplishment in the progression of human civilization. As part of the leading group of the Global South, he emphasized the importance of demonstrating collective wisdom and strength in building a shared future for humanity.
Yuri Yermakov, Director of the Belarusian National Academy of Sciences’ Economic Research Institute, noted that President Xi’s remarks are crucial for accelerating the development and improvement of the BRICS cooperation mechanism and for promoting joint development and prosperity among Global South countries. He emphasized that the “BRICS+” cooperation model injects new energy into the rise of the Global South. “The expansion of BRICS presents a rare historical opportunity for taking more active steps in conducting multilateral cooperation across various fields, enhancing the quality and level of intergovernmental dialogue and cooperation, and contributing to a more equitable international order,” he said.
Luis Delgato, Director of Academic Research at Venezuela’s Center for Emerging Economy Studies, echoed the sentiment, stating, “President Xi’s introduction of new ideas and measures resonates strongly with Global South countries. For these nations, BRICS represents tremendous hope, which is why many are eager to join this mechanism.” He described how, over the past decade, the BRICS cooperation mechanism has demonstrated a model of new international cooperation characterized by dialogue while respecting diversity, equality, and fair trade. This mechanism embodies a pathway of hope for all nations committed to safeguarding multilateralism.
Kamal Mansari, News Director at Algeria’s “Independence Youth” newspaper, asserted that the world is undergoing profound changes and facing monumental challenges to global development. He highlighted the critical role BRICS plays in safeguarding the common interests of Global South countries and promoting their collective prosperity, emphasizing the significance of their collective strength in ushering in a new direction for global development.
Nasser Boucheba, President of the Moroccan Association for China-Africa Cooperation and Development, concurred. “In today’s changing global context, the Global South countries are eager for development,” he stated, noting that the BRICS nations provide valuable practical experience and developmental opportunities for the region. “What we see is that BRICS, as the leading group of the Global South, is focused on development and bringing new opportunities, effectively taking on the mission of promoting the construction of a shared future for mankind.”
