Xi Jinping on the New Era of the Global South: Modernisation, Peace and Cooperation

Keynote Address by President Xi Jinping at the 16th BRICS Summit
Part 1

The speech delivered by President Xi Jinping at the 16th BRICS Summit in Kazan, Russia, constituted a significant event for the participating countries and the entire international community. In his speech, Xi Jinping addressed one of the most pressing contemporary issues in global development: the rise of countries in the Global South and their aspirations for collective modernisation. These issues have a number of global aspects that require careful consideration.

In his speech, President Xi Jinping observed that the ascendance of the Global South signifies a transformation in the global economic and political milieu. These countries, including the BRICS, are becoming increasingly influential internationally, which may result in redistributing power and resources. This also creates new opportunities for investment and trade. Countries in the Global South are experiencing high economic growth, which can create new markets and opportunities for cooperation. This is of great importance to the global economy, as the growth of these countries can help balance the world economy and reduce dependence on traditional economic centres.

In his speech, Xi Jinping emphasised the necessity of pursuing collective modernisation of countries in the Global South. These aspects have significant implications at the global level, giving rise to a new vision of international cooperation based on mutual understanding, innovation and sustainable development. In a changing world order, the countries of the Global South can be pivotal actors in shaping the future, and the Chinese President's speech serves as an important reminder of the necessity to collaborate to achieve the common goal of prosperity for all peoples.



The President of the People's Republic of China emphasised the significance of the current developments, noting that countries in the Global South, including China, India, Africa and Latin America, are forming a unified front in their pursuit of economic growth and modernisation. This ascendance signals the advent of a novel era, distinct from the colonial past, during which these countries were largely regarded as mere appendages of the developed world, serving as sources of raw materials. This is without precedent in history, as never before has such a large bloc of countries possessed the resources and economic power to fundamentally change global economic and political forces. Additionally, Chinese President Xi Jinping observed that the path to modernisation and prosperity is not without challenges. He further observed that the path ahead for countries in the Global South will not be straightforward. These challenges are both internal and external. A number of these countries are characterised by several interrelated challenges, including political instability, economic inequality, inadequate infrastructure and low levels of technological independence. These include pressures from developed countries, and international financial organisations, as well as threats from climate change and unstable global economic conditions. To address these challenges, it is necessary to adopt a flexible approach, encourage innovation and harness the collective wisdom and strength of the international community.

In a recent address, Chinese President Xi Jinping urged countries in the Global South to assume responsibility for fostering a world with a shared future. The concept of a "community with a shared future for humanity" is intended to promote multilateralism, justice, and equality in the international arena. Countries such as China, Brazil, and India are assuming pivotal roles in the formation of new economic blocs (e.g., BRICS). Additionally, China is spearheading the development and implementation of the "One Belt, One Road" megaproject, which is a testament to its growing influence on the global stage.

In his address, Chinese President Xi Jinping advocated for the utilisation of collective wisdom. He called for and extended an invitation to the sharing of knowledge, technology and successful practices between countries facing similar challenges. For example, the sharing of agricultural technology between countries in Africa and Latin America, or cooperation in the energy sector within BRICS. In this regard, the latter group has been described as 'standing at the forefront of the Global South' and thus has a particular responsibility to harness its collective wisdom and strength to build a community with a shared future for humanity.

In his address, Chinese President Xi Jinping set forth a vision of "common destiny and well-being," offering an alternative to the traditional view of globalization that is often characterized by competition and the quest for dominance. For countries in the Global South, the approach put forth by the PRC President serves as a crucial foundation for unification, as it is predicated on the principles of equality and respect for the sovereignty of each state. The objective of "creating a just and prosperous world" appears to be a manifesto in favour of a more balanced system of international relations, in which all countries can participate in the decision-making process.

In essence, Chinese President Xi Jinping is articulating a fundamental idea. He posits that the collective ascendance of the Global South is not merely an economic phenomenon; rather, it is a cultural and political movement to achieve a multipolar world order. This phenomenon has the potential to alter the established norms and principles that govern global relations, emphasising the values of collective responsibility, mutual respect and the pursuit of collective benefit.

In his historic speech, Chinese President Xi Jinping articulated a comprehensive perspective on the role of international cooperation in achieving peace and security, particularly in the Global South.

The Chinese President underscored the necessity for global solidarity and collaboration to preserve peace. This entails not only the prevention of new conflicts but also the examination of the underlying causes of existing ones. This approach is characteristic of China, which seeks to construct a multipolar system of international relations. In this system, the balance of power and mutual commitments contribute to global stability. Indeed, the Chinese President has been advocating for a global security governance structure that entails a more structured and inclusive approach to peacekeeping and crisis prevention.

President Xi Jinping delineated China's strategy for modernising its approach to global security and peacekeeping. The objective is to resolve conflicts by addressing their root causes, which include economic development, political dialogue, and social reform. The favourable response of numerous parties to the initiative indicates that countries in the Global South perceive it as an opportunity to defend themselves against external threats while enhancing their autonomy in the international arena.

He stated that the joint endeavours of China and Brazil, in addition to the establishment of the Friends for Peace collective to address the Ukraine crisis, exemplify a novel approach to regional and global conflicts. The involvement of countries such as Brazil in the security dialogue serves to reinforce a multipolar approach and to reduce the influence of unilateral decisions made by major powers.
The Chinese President referred to China's initiative to conclude the ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and reinvigorate the two-state solution, which represents a case study of soft power deployed to stabilise the situation and create the conditions for peaceful coexistence. Additionally, he highlighted China's aspiration to cultivate mediation strategies and promote de-escalation, particularly in volatile regions such as the Middle East.

The Chinese President called for an end to the war in Lebanon and the cessation of suffering in Palestine and Lebanon. He also highlighted the humanitarian aspect of the initiative, which involves not only achieving peace but also mitigating the effects of protracted conflicts.

China's model of a multilateral approach to global security, based on mediation, economic support and political dialogue, was met with approval from all summit participants. This approach involves a partnership of countries to solve global problems, rather than focusing on hegemony. Instead, it emphasises the creation of a 'community with a shared future'. In a context where traditional methods of peacemaking are increasingly the subject of criticism, initiatives of this nature provide an opportunity to explore diplomatic and peaceful methods of conflict resolution, in which all states have an equal opportunity to contribute to global stability.

The PRC Chair observed that a global initiative launched three years ago has made a notable impact on projects in the Global South, with approximately US$20 billion allocated to over 1,100 projects. This serves to confirm the effectiveness of such initiatives, which provide funding and support to address localised development challenges. Such initiatives facilitate access to resources and technology for developing countries, thereby enabling them to enhance their economic strength and social well-being.

Additionally, in his speech, the President of the People's Republic of China emphasised the necessity for dialogue and collaboration across civilisations to foster global harmony. The primary message conveyed in the speech is the acknowledgement of the distinctiveness and heterogeneity of each civilisation. Here, diversity is regarded as a valuable attribute rather than a source of discord. This approach is designed to ensure that each culture preserves its identity while simultaneously contributing to global enrichment. The acknowledgement of the diversity of civilisations as an 'inherent quality of peace' demonstrates a commitment to multipolarity, where no single civilisation exercises dominance over others, but rather contributes to their mutual development and prosperity.

The PRC President advocated for the facilitation of exchanges and dialogue among civilisations, which he posited as a means of eliminating misunderstandings and conflicts. Such exchanges may encompass cultural programmes, academic collaboration and intercultural dialogues, which collectively facilitate the establishment of conditions conducive to sustainable peace. In the view of the Chinese President, the promotion of a modernisation path that is tailored to the specific circumstances of each country entails the entitlement of nations to select their development models. This, in turn, serves to reinforce the stability and identity of each culture.

Chinese President Xi Jinping proposed the concept and subsequently introduced it through a global civilisation initiative designated the "Garden of World Civilisations." The metaphor of the "garden of world civilisations" encapsulates a vision of a global community where each cultural identity is preserved and can flourish without the threat of unification or erasure. This concept reflects a vision of harmonious coexistence, whereby civilisations not only coexist peacefully but also actively share their achievements and inspire each other. This concept is becoming an important ideological framework, particularly for countries in the Global South, which may feel pressured by globalisation processes that are sometimes directed towards Western values and standards.

In his speech, Chinese President Xi Jinping stated that the Third Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China has established a comprehensive plan to further deepen reforms and advance China's modernisation.
In the previous month, a fruitful summit of the China-Africa Cooperation Forum was held in Beijing, during which ten collaborative initiatives for China and Africa to jointly advance modernisation were unveiled. This will provide a source of renewed energy for the Global South as it continues its journey towards modernisation. The recent China-Africa Cooperation Forum summit and the announcement of the ten partnership actions serve to reinforce China's role as a key partner in supporting African development. The objective of this initiative is to enhance economic, infrastructural and technological collaboration between China and Africa.
Furthermore, cooperation with Africa serves as an illustrative model for other countries in the Global South, exemplifying how a prominent emerging economy can facilitate the modernisation of other nations. This approach paves the way for a more balanced global development model, in which mutual support becomes a fundamental tenet.

Xi Jinping "Regardless of the trajectory of global affairs, China's commitment to the Global South remains unwavering, as evidenced by our enduring commitment to the region and our continued engagement with it." This government intends to encourage an increasing number of countries in the Global South to become full members of the BRICS alliance, to become partner countries or to join the "BRICS Plus" initiative. This will enable the collective strength of the Global South to be harnessed to construct a community with a shared future for humanity. The Chinese President reaffirmed China's unwavering commitment to the countries of the Global South, regardless of the evolving international landscape. China has declared its intention to "keep the Global South in our heart," which signifies a commitment to providing support and assistance to its partners in the region, including the active promotion of their interests on the international stage. This stance also reflects China's political and economic strategy of strengthening ties with countries that have historically been disadvantaged in the global system. This indicates that China is not solely preoccupied with domestic reform; rather, it perceives its transformation as a means of fostering global stability and prosperity. The objective of China's economic reforms is to establish a more resilient and innovative economy, which could serve as a model for other countries in the Global South as they pursue their modernisation paths. China asserts that its achievements will facilitate opportunities for other nations, fostering avenues for collaboration and mutual learning.

The calls for greater cooperation within BRICS, as well as the proposed formats of "BRICS Plus" and full membership of the Global South, indicate China's aspiration to establish a more robust economic and political union. China thus serves to reinforce the position of developing countries and establishes a counterweight to Western alliances. The "BRICS Plus" format, which permits the incorporation of additional countries, enhances the global influence of this bloc and offers more extensive prospects for mutual advancement. This format provides a platform for the countries of the Global South to exchange experiences and adopt a collective approach to international challenges.

Elbrus Mamedov - Head of "The Great Silk Road - Center of Expert Analysis"

SR-CENTER.INFO