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Opinion | Will BRICS+ be adopting an anti-US attitude under the influence of China

By Augustus K. Yeung

INTRODUCTION

The expansion of BRICS is not an accident of history. The bloc's new members are just dissatisfied with the domineering American hegemony; it's been bullying, bombing some developing countries, and neglecting their development over the years. The admission of Saudi Arabia – once a staunch U.S. ally – is already telling, but to have the other five strongly suggests that it is a sign of mass desertion, staying away from America, and siding with China, a rising nation.

Saudi Arabia and Iran were among six countries set to join Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa in the BRICS bloc. Observers are raising questions on Beijing's political influence in the Persian Gulf.

The United Arab Emirates, Argentina, Egypt and Ethiopia are also set to become new members of BRICS starting January 2024.

Mohammad Jamshidi, the political deputy of Iran's President Ebrahim Raisi, called the decision to add his country "a historic move." "A strategic victory for Iran's foreign policy," he wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, whose country presently chairs BRICS, made the announcement on the six new members on the final day of the bloc's summit in Sandton, Johannesburg.

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping attending the summit were present alongside Ramaphosa for the announcement.

President Xi: This Membership Expansion is Historic…

"This membership expansion is historic," Xi said. "It shows the determination of BRICS countries for unity and development."

"I am delighted to join you all in this discussion on global development. Development embodies our people's aspiration for a better life. It is the top priority for developing countries, and a timeless theme for humanity…"

"The international community must pursue the larger interests of all countries, respond to people's concerns, and restore development to the center of the international agenda. The representation and voice of the developing countries in global governance should be increased, and developing countries be supported in realizing better development. It is also important to uphold true multilateralism, forge a global development partnership, and create a secure and stable international environment for share development."

"China has invariably stood in solidarity with fellow developing countries through thick and thin. China has been and will always remain a member of developing counties..."

"China is a friend that Africa can count on. Over the past decade, China has provided a large amount of development assistance to Africa and helped build more than 6,000 km of railway, over 6,000 of highway, and 80-plus large power facilities on the continent. Going forward, China will carry out more cooperation with African countries to support Africa in enhancing its own capacity for development…"

"Let us stay committed and united to build a community of shared development, and make sure that in the process of global modernization, no country is left behind."

BRICS Expansion Contributes to Global South's Rise

"A just cause finds great support, and a journey with many companions gets far." Wrote Xinhua writers Li Jiacong and Gao Wencheng.

"Such a saying, originating from China's philosophy, has once again been proven by the announcement that six countries were invited to become new BRICS members. This expansion marks a historical milestone in strengthening both the momentum of BRICS cooperation and the solidarity of the South." Li and Gao said.

"The six new members are not alone in aspiring to join BRICS cooperation as dozens of countries from the Global South are eager to join. Notably, the group's focus on development could partially explain BRICS' Global popularity..."

The charm of BRICS to the Global South lies in its capacity to achieve development through cooperation…Also, the vitality of BRICS mirrors the Global South's pursuit of fairness and justice.

In today's world, hegemonism and power politics continue to threaten international peace and stability, and the Global South is now tasked with the important mission of resisting external interference and safeguarding political security.

BRICS countries have always stood up for what is right on major international and regional issues and enhanced the voice and influence of emerging markets and developing countries…BRICS do not barter away principles, succumb to external pressure, or act as a vassal of others.

The firm practice of BRICS countries to safeguard their own legal rights as well as international fairness and justice encourages and inspires more countries of the Global South to follow their footsteps.

"Many countries in the Global South have sought to come together to work towards a more just and inclusive world order. BRICS inspires many countries to come together again in order to advance this vision," said Kenneth Creamer, a senior lecturer at the University of the Witwatersrand. (Source: Xinhua)

CONCLUSION

The expansion of BRICS is not an accident of history. Apart from the new members' enthusiasm for admissions, it was the result of one Chinese leader who had been quietly working with his counterpart for an end to their long-standing border dispute, finally fulfilling the bloc's consensus requirement for new applications.

Besides, only the Chinese president alone was awarded the highest merit of medal from South Africa. And for what reason?

China's positive move will help the Global South gain influence and lead global governance to a more just and equitable direction, and make greater direction, and make greater contributions to world peace and development.

Will BRICS+ be adopting an anti-America approach?

Primarily, the expansion of the BRICS is meant to give the world's neglected developing countries a voice, and an opportunity to enhance vitality to their trade and commerce to answer Xi Jinping's principle or initiate for building a community of shared interests.

China is not interested in making an anti-America bloc out of BRICS+; it has been and is consistently working on the principle of cooperation and multilateralism for a better and more equitable UN.

Maintaining healthy U.S.-China relations have always been a cornerstone of China's foreign policy.

 

The views do not necessarily reflect those of DotDotNews.

To contact the writer, please direct email: AugustusKYeung@ymail.com

Read more articles by Augustus K. Yeung:

Opinion | Despite Raimondo's efforts: Military-to-military cooperation will not work – if Austin remains

Opinion | Amid BRICS members' recruitment efforts: Saudi Arabia maybe next

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