Zhou Zhiwei Executive Director of Brazil Research Center, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences,

The most impressive aspect for me of President Xi’s speech is his two perspectives: one being the perspective of the historical course of global development and the evolving international landscape; the other being the historical process of development of BRICS countries, both individually and collectively, in the context of which BRICS cooperation is pursued.

I think President Xi’s four expectations for the future of BRICS are to the point. “Move faster to replace old growth drivers with new ones” is new thinking in deepening BRICS economic and trade cooperation as well as a new requirement to undertake structural reforms in BRICS countries.

The reference to “BRICS responsibilities” makes it clear that BRICS nations should shoulder more responsibilities to safeguard global peace and development and that it is necessary to expand and strengthen cooperation in the political and security fields.

By saying “we BRICS countries should contribute to enhancing global economic governance,” President Xi stressed BRICS nations could do more to improve global governance, especially in promoting the building of an open global economy and advancing trade and investment liberalization and facilitation.

With “we should increase the influence of BRICS and build extensive partnerships,” President Xi expressed that BRICS cooperation has global significance, and through this, he promoted the BRICS Plus cooperation approach.