Editor's note: Jessica Durdu, a special commentator on current affairs for CGTN, is a foreign affairs specialist and PhD candidate in international relations at China Foreign Affairs University. The article reflects the author's opinions and not necessarily the views of CGTN.
When Chinese President Xi Jinping addressed the Virtual BRICS Summit on Monday, his remarks once again underlined China's determination to lead global governance reform and to deepen multilateral cooperation at a time when the world is undergoing profound transformation. His three-point proposal not only resonates with the realities of today's shifting international order but also reinforces China's position as a stabilizing and leading force in global governance.
At the heart of Xi's speech was the Global Governance Initiative (GGI), which was proposed to provide a roadmap for a fairer, more representative and more effective international system. This initiative is not simply aspirational rhetoric; it builds upon concrete actions China has taken in recent years to champion multilateralism, particularly through institutions such as the UN and the G20.
In contrast to the growing fragmentation of global politics, China has consistently called for strengthening the role of the UN and maintaining international law as the foundation of global order. The world is still dealing with the uneven recovery from the consequences of trade wars and the ripple effects of geopolitical tensions. In this environment, Xi's call to enhance the representation and voice of the Global South demonstrates an inclusive vision of governance where emerging economies are no longer marginalized but actively shaping the agenda.
Xi's insistence on open and inclusive development also carries significant weight in the current climate of uncertainty. While the speech acknowledged the persistence of protectionist tendencies, the focus was on defending the multilateral trading system, particularly the World Trade Organization, as the backbone of the global economic order.
This position aligns with the broader trajectory of Chinese policy: Beijing has repeatedly emphasized that globalization, while in need of reform, remains an irreversible trend. The Global Development Initiative (GDI) complements this vision by placing development at the center of the global agenda. For example, China's support for African industrialization, infrastructure building in Central Asia and agricultural modernization in Southeast Asia are concrete manifestations of this principle. By tying BRICS cooperation to these global initiatives, Xi is positioning the bloc not as a counterweight to others, but as an engine of inclusive growth and innovation.
Equally important in Xi's remarks was the vision of BRICS as a cohesive force capable of addressing external challenges through unity. The statistics he cited, nearly half of the world's population, around 30 percent of global GDP and one-fifth of global trade, underscore the scale and potential of BRICS as a platform.
In the past year, BRICS expansion with the inclusion of new members has already reshaped perceptions of the grouping, enhancing its representation across the Global South. For instance, the fact that Saudi Arabia, Egypt and the United Arab Emirates joined BRICS reflects not only the bloc's appeal but also the recognition that multipolarity is now a defining feature of the international system.
Xi's emphasis on "greater BRICS cooperation" signals a readiness to deepen collaboration beyond symbolic summits, advancing projects in finance, the digital economy and green development. The establishment of the New Development Bank and its growing portfolio of sustainable infrastructure projects offers a concrete example of how BRICS can provide alternatives for countries seeking development finance without political conditions.
The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which Xi highlighted as part of his proposals, continues to be a key instrument through which China aligns its global governance vision with tangible cooperation. More than a decade since its launch, the BRI has evolved from a large-scale infrastructure to also include green, digital and health initiatives. Recent projects, such as renewable energy investments in Latin America and digital connectivity corridors in Africa, illustrate how the BRI dovetails with both the GDI and the priorities of many BRICS partners.
What stands out in this latest speech is China's persistent call for solidarity in times of turbulence. Xi's words "Strong wind tests the resilience of grass, and fierce fire reveals true gold" are not only a metaphor for resilience but also a reminder that cooperative mechanisms like BRICS are best judged during moments of crisis.
Recent years have indeed tested the cohesion of the international community: from uneven vaccine distribution during the pandemic to the ongoing food and energy security challenges exacerbated by regional conflicts. BRICS initiatives, such as joint vaccine research centers and discussions on establishing a common payment system, directly respond to such vulnerabilities and highlight how South-South cooperation can complement global efforts.
Taken as a whole, Xi's proposals at the BRICS meeting reaffirmed China's long-term strategic positioning as both a leader and a partner in global governance reform. By linking multilateralism, inclusive development and BRICS solidarity under the umbrella of the GGI, China offers a coherent vision for a more just international order.
For the Global South, this vision translates into greater representation, more equitable economic opportunities and collective resilience. For the broader international community, it underscores the importance of cooperation in an era where unilateralism cannot solve shared challenges. Xi's speech thus reflects not only the aspirations of China but also the broader demand for a global order that is fairer, more inclusive and more sustainable.
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