Chinese President Xi Jinping addressed the 16th BRICS Summit held in Kazan on October 23, 2024, urging the BRICS nations to advance high-quality development through greater cooperation. In his speech titled “Embracing a Broader View and Cutting Through the Fog of Challenges to Advance High-Quality Development of Greater BRICS Cooperation,” President Xi outlined a five-point proposal to strengthen unity and drive progress among the BRICS countries.
A Milestone Gathering
Welcoming new members to the BRICS family, President Xi hailed the enlargement of BRICS as a major milestone and a landmark event in the evolution of the international situation. He emphasized the importance of leveraging the summit to maintain momentum and strategize on global issues, aspiring to build BRICS into a primary channel for strengthening solidarity among Global South nations.
Addressing Global Challenges
Highlighting the turbulence and transformation the world is facing, President Xi posed a pivotal question reminiscent of Nikolay Chernyshevsky’s novel What Is to Be Done? He called for tenacity, pioneering spirit, and adaptability to steer the world back on the path of peace and development.
Five Commitments for BRICS
- Defenders of Common Security: President Xi advocated for a BRICS committed to peace, urging collective efforts to uphold common security. He emphasized addressing ongoing crises like Ukraine and the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza by promoting ceasefires and working toward just and lasting resolutions.
- Pioneers of High-Quality Development: Stressing innovation, he encouraged BRICS countries to embrace technological revolutions and industrial transformations. President Xi announced China’s launch of a BRICS Artificial Intelligence Development and Cooperation Center and proposed deepening cooperation in innovation to unleash the dividends of AI development.
- Promoters of Sustainable Development: With green development as a focal point, President Xi urged proactive engagement in global green and low-carbon transformations. He highlighted China’s strengths in manufacturing electric vehicles, lithium batteries, and photovoltaic products, offering to expand cooperation in green industries and clean energy.
- Forerunners in Reforming Global Governance: Advocating for fairness and inclusiveness in global governance, he called for championing true multilateralism and reforming international financial architecture. President Xi emphasized the importance of expanding the New Development Bank and enhancing the representation and voice of developing nations.
- Advocates for Harmonious Coexistence: President Xi underscored the rich cultural heritage of BRICS countries and promoted inclusiveness among civilizations. He announced initiatives like a capacity-building program for BRICS digital education, aiming to deepen people-to-people exchanges and inspire collective progress.
A Call for Unity and Progress
Concluding his speech, President Xi reiterated China’s commitment to working with all BRICS countries to open new horizons in high-quality development and build a community with a shared future for mankind.
Reference(s):
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