Chinese President Xi Jinping attended the “BRICS Plus” leaders’ dialogue in Kazan, Russia, on October 24, 2024, where he delivered a significant speech calling for unity and cooperation among Global South countries. President Xi emphasized the importance of the Global South as a pillar of strength for common development and urged nations to work together to build a community with a shared future for mankind.
In his speech titled “Combining the Great Strength of the Global South To Build Together a Community with a Shared Future for Mankind,” President Xi highlighted the collective rise of the Global South as a monumental event in world history. He noted that while the journey toward prosperity may face challenges, Global South countries should harness their collective wisdom and strength to address global issues.
Upholding Peace and Security
President Xi called for Global South nations to uphold peace and strive for common security. He stressed the importance of strengthening global security governance and addressing both the symptoms and root causes of hotspot issues. He referenced the positive response to China’s Global Security Initiative and highlighted efforts such as the China-Brazil six-point consensus and the establishment of the Group of Friends for Peace on the Ukraine crisis.
He also mentioned the reconciliation of Palestinian factions in Beijing as a key step toward peace in the Middle East. President Xi urged continued efforts to promote a comprehensive ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and to revive the two-state solution. He emphasized the need to prevent the flames of war from spreading in Lebanon and to alleviate the suffering in Palestine and Lebanon.
Reinvigorating Development
Emphasizing the role of development in the emergence of the Global South, President Xi urged countries to become the main driving force for common development. He advocated for an active and leading role in global economic governance reform, making development the core of international economic and trade agendas. He highlighted the progress of the Global Development Initiative, which has facilitated nearly $20 billion in development funds and launched over 1,100 projects.
President Xi announced the establishment of the Global Alliance on Artificial Intelligence for Industry and Manufacturing Center of Excellence in Shanghai. He also revealed plans to build a World Smart Customs Community Portal and a BRICS Customs Center of Excellence, inviting active participation from all countries.
Promoting Civilizations and Harmony
President Xi underscored the importance of promoting the development of all civilizations and striving for harmony among them. He called for advocates of exchanges among civilizations to enhance communication and support each country’s path to modernization suited to their national conditions. He mentioned the Global Civilization Initiative aimed at building a garden of world civilizations where the beauty of each can be shared and admired.
China plans to coordinate with others to form a Global South Think Tanks Alliance to promote people-to-people exchanges and experience-sharing in governance.
China’s Commitment to the Global South
President Xi reiterated China’s commitment to the Global South, regardless of changes in the international landscape. He highlighted the recent Third Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, which planned for further deepening reform to advance Chinese modernization, providing more opportunities for the world.
He mentioned the successful summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation held in Beijing, where China announced ten partnership actions to jointly advance modernization with Africa. This, he said, injects new energy into the Global South’s journey toward modernization.
Concluding his speech, President Xi expressed support for more Global South countries joining BRICS in various capacities. He encouraged combining strengths to build together a community with a shared future for mankind.
Reference(s):
Full text of President Xi's speech at 'BRICS Plus' leaders' dialogue
cgtn.com
