Focus Note 
On 25 October, CGTN reported that the BRICS summit in Kazan this time was turning out to be transformative. This was due to the latest additions of Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE who all joined in early 2024. Chinese President Xi Jinping spent his intensive two-day visit taking part in over 10 events, showing that China truly is the backbone of the BRICS partnership. Xi reminded the Russian President of their relationship of non-alliance and non-confrontation. His meeting with the Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi covered the border issue and bilateral development. Over and above its expanded membership, the summit assumed much greater importance for it has been seen that more than 30 countries showed interest in joining BRICS. Xi showed commitment toward the Global South by saying: “We in China will always keep the Global South in our heart.” The Conference also touched upon global governance reform, where participating nations condemned power politics and called for an urgent ceasefire in Gaza.
 
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China reported that China views BRICS as a transformative force in global governance and development, and President Xi Jinping has been viewing it as an alternative to Western-dominated international systems. For China, the recent expansion of BRICS is seen as a “landmark event” (里程碑事件) that fundamentally reinforces the voice of the Global South. China insists that BRICS is a perfect new model of international cooperation with old-fashioned military and political alliances which turn to mutual development and inclusive growth. This is achieved through initiatives such as the New Development Bank and the ‘BRICS Plus’ program.
 
Ministry of Industry and Information Technology of the People’s Republic of China reported that Beijing views BRICS as an opportunity to implement its vision of multilateral cooperation in new areas. It is best seen through newly established structures, namely the BRICS Centre for Artificial Intelligence Development and Cooperation, the International Research Centre for Deep Ocean Resources, and the Digital Industry Ecological Cooperation Network. It is because China emphasises green development, clean energy use, and technological innovation, thereby making BRICS a front-runner in high-quality development and sustainability.
 
Xinhua reported that for China, BRICS is a very important tool for international financial architecture reform and a global governance system. President Xi Jinping always underscored that BRICS should play the role of “leaders in reforming the global governance system” and protect common security. China emphasises that BRICS is not about “creating bloc confrontation” (形成集团对抗) but rather about expanding the “architecture of peace and development” (和平与发展架构). This view is further strengthened by China’s support for BRICS’ engagement in global issues, such as the group’s involvement in peace initiatives for Ukraine and its extraordinary summit on the Gaza situation.
 
South China Morning Post reported that China’s relationship with BRICS with Russia has proved exceptionally strong. During their third face-to-face meeting this year, Xi and Putin agreed to strengthen cooperation for a “just world order.” In addition, they have managed to step up bilateral trade, with Chinese exports to Russia reaching a record high of US$11.25 billion in September, largely filling gaps left by Western sanctions. Their partnership extends to energy, industry, high-technology, transport, and agricultural sectors form the strategic partnership.
 
India TV News reported that India’s perception of China as part of BRICS reveals deep-seated tensions. During the BRICS Summit, Prime Minister Modi criticised China on issues about terrorism and “double standards,” referencing China’s move to block UN proposals to list Pakistan-based terrorists. The border tension between India and China is complicated by the Line of Actual Control (LAC). India remains pragmatic about membership in BRICS, perceiving it as a platform in which to play the role of helping set the rules as one of the original five members.
 
Dhaka Tribune reported that the expansion of BRICS has resulted in the emergence of two marked camps within the organisation. China, Russia, and Iran form an anti-Western camp, while Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Egypt balance their Western alliances with economic cooperation with China. India alone represents a BRICS country whose strategic relations with the West are increasing, while its rapport with China is being strained.
 
References:
“Kazan summit opens new phase of greater BRICS cooperation, says Wang Yi,” CGTN, 25 October 2024
“习近平在金砖国家领导人第十六次会晤上的讲话（全文),” 中华人民共和国工业和信息化部 (Ministry of Industry and Information Technology of the People’s Republic of China) , 23 October 2024
“2024年10月24日外交部发言人林剑主持例行记者会,” 中华人民共和国外交部 (Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China), 24 October 2024
“Brick by Brick, Xi Jinping drives BRICS cooperation,” Xinhua, 21 October 2024
“At BRICS Summit, PM Modi takes veiled attack on China: 'No place for double standards on terror funding',” India TV News, 23 October 2024
“Can India navigate a China-dominated BRICS?,” Dhaka Tribune, 26 October 2024
“Xi and Putin vow stronger China-Russia cooperation for ‘fair world order’ at Brics summit,” South China Morning Post, 23 October 2024