BRICS Summit 2023: China Champions Equitable Global Order

President Xi underscores China's commitment to harmony, not hegemony, at Johannesburg summit.

In a recent address at the BRICS summit held in Johannesburg, South Africa, Chinese President Xi Jinping emphasized China's commitment to fostering a more equitable global order. He firmly stated that China does not harbor ambitions of hegemony, nor does it seek to instigate "bloc confrontation."

The speech, presented by Commerce Minister Wang Wentao on Xi's behalf, highlighted China's stance on global matters. "China is unwavering in its pursuit of the greater good and stands on the right side of history," Xi remarked. He further expressed confidence in the continued growth of BRICS, despite any potential challenges.

The summit, which saw the participation of leaders such as South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, did not feature a direct appearance by Xi. The reason for his absence remains unspecified.

Xi had previously engaged in discussions with Ramaphosa, indicating that their nations are at a pivotal historical juncture. Both China and Russia, having faced significant sanctions from the U.S., are eager to expand the BRICS alliance as a counterbalance to Western influence in global institutions.

Several nations, including Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, Iran, Argentina, and Egypt, have shown interest in joining BRICS, a coalition representing approximately 40% of the global population and over a quarter of the world's economy. However, opinions on expansion within the group are split, with Brazil and India appearing more hesitant.

In a contrasting viewpoint, Brazil's Lula stated that BRICS does not aim to challenge entities like the G7, G20, or the U.S. Instead, he said, "Our goal is simply to organize ourselves."

The summit's agenda also includes discussions on promoting the use of local currencies in trade to reduce reliance on the U.S. dollar. Russian President Vladimir Putin, who did not attend the summit, mentioned in a pre-recorded message that the move away from the dollar in the bloc's economic dealings is gaining traction and is irreversible.

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