Chinese President Xi Jinping delivered a powerful speech titled Seeking Development Through Solidarity and Cooperation and Shouldering Our Responsibility for Peace at the 15th BRICS Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa. His emphasis on unity, cooperation, and fairness in addressing global challenges has been commended by experts as a strong foundation for constructive and positive solutions.
Experts and analysts have noted that Xi’s speech reflects China’s commitment to promoting multilateral cooperation and solidarity among emerging markets and developing countries. Salman Bashir, former Pakistani ambassador to China, praised Xi’s emphasis on promoting the right to development and establishing a cooperative framework for international cooperation. China has increasingly been recognized as a leading advocate for positive changes in the global order.
Xi’s speech also captured the global dynamics and changes, according to Shakeel Ahmad Ramay, CEO of the Asian Institute of Eco-civilization Research and Development in Pakistan. Xi emphasized the importance of humanity and the prosperity of both humans and the planet. He called on BRICS countries to lead the change for fair, equitable, and inclusive reforms in finance, economy, and global governance. Ramay also highlighted Xi’s focus on civilizational learning and expanding BRICS to make it more inclusive, demonstrating his commitment to an inclusive and just system.
Dicky Budiman, an epidemiologist at Griffith University, Australia, underscored the critical importance of solidarity and cooperation in addressing complex global challenges. Xi’s proposal to leverage the role of the New Development Bank and reform international financial systems shows China’s commitment to addressing economic inequalities on a global scale.
Karori Singh, former director and emeritus fellow of the South Asia Studies Centre at India’s University of Rajasthan, highlighted Xi’s emphasis on innovation and data support for industrial and tech cooperation. Xi stressed the need for prosperity and peace, stating that the two are mutually reinforcing. He also urged caution in embracing technological advances, emphasizing the importance of secure, reliable, controllable, and equitable artificial intelligence technologies.
Ebrahim Hashem, an Asia Global fellow at the Asia Global Institute, University of Hong Kong, praised Xi’s comprehensive statement at the BRICS summit. He noted that Xi reiterated China’s policy of further opening its economy for mutually beneficial cooperation. Hashem emphasized that the world is at a critical crossroads, with two options: returning to the hegemony of a small minority or making the global order fairer. Xi’s speech advocated for a fairer global order that considers the interests and opinions of most nations and offers development opportunities indiscriminately.
President Xi Jinping’s speech at the 15th BRICS Summit has laid a strong foundation for addressing complex global challenges through unity, cooperation, and fairness. His emphasis on solidarity and inclusivity reflects China’s diplomatic efforts in promoting multilateral cooperation and positive changes in the global order. The speech has been commended for its focus on addressing economic inequalities, leveraging technology for development, and advocating for a fairer global order. Experts believe that Xi’s vision and leadership are vital in navigating global challenges and promoting peace and prosperity.
