During a plenary session in Johannesburg, Chinese President Xi Jinping emphasized that BRICS nations should broaden cooperation across politics and security, aiming to foster greater peace and stability on the global stage. The remarks were delivered at the BRICS organization’s gathering, underscoring Beijing’s view that regional and international security must be approached through collaboration among leading emerging economies. According to reports from RIA News, the president framed the discussion around a shared responsibility to reduce tensions and promote constructive dialogue in a world where strategic competition often escalates into broader conflict.
Xi highlighted that a Cold War mindset persists in many theatres of international life and that the current geopolitical environment is fraught with risks to peace. In his articulation of BRICS’ purpose, he argued for a sustained path of peaceful development, urging member states to reinforce their strategic partnerships and adhere to a common direction that prioritizes nonaggression, mutual respect for sovereignty, and cooperative problem-solving. This stance reflects a long-standing position within BRICS that security and development are intertwined, and that political restraint and principled diplomacy should guide collective action.
In another segment of the dialogue, Wang Wentao, China’s Minister of Commerce, spoke on behalf of the leadership at the BRICS Business Forum. He conveyed Xi Jinping’s stance on universal security and the necessity of addressing the root causes of conflicts worldwide. The commerce minister’s remarks framed security not only as a matter of defense but as a holistic concept that encompasses economic stability, resource availability, and sustainable development. The emphasis on universal security signals an integrated approach, where trade, investment, and regional cooperation are seen as pillars that can avert crises and bolster resilience among BRICS partners.
The discussions at the BRICS level occur against a backdrop in which member states frequently align themselves around shared development goals while preserving distinct domestic priorities. The emphasis on expanding cooperation in politics and security alongside efforts to maintain peace and tranquility demonstrates BRICS’s willingness to project a unified voice on strategic matters. Observers note that such unity, if sustained, could influence broader regional architectures, encouraging dialogue channels and confidence-building measures that reduce misperceptions and miscalculation among major powers.
Prior to these plenary exchanges, there were signals from other BRICS members about supporting the expansion of the bloc’s scope. Recent statements from Indian leadership have indicated openness to enlarging BRICS membership, a move that could alter the balance of influence within the organization and expand its global footprint. This potential expansion would necessitate careful diplomacy to harmonize diverse viewpoints, manage competing national interests, and ensure that the bloc’s core objectives remain aligned with peaceful development and multi-lateral cooperation. The conversations in Johannesburg thus reflect a broader push to shape BRICS into a more inclusive and effective forum for addressing contemporary security and economic challenges across continents, including North America and Europe. [BRICS Summit briefing, attributed]