Nigeria Times

By Shen Jingran, People’s Daily

Yunnan province in southwest China is an important producer of flowers thanks to its unique natural and climatic conditions. It produces flowers all year round.

Today, technological advances have breathed new life into the cut flower industry in the province. Modern agricultural facilities allow for precise control over the flowering, and advanced cold chain logistics can enable consumers thousands of miles away to receive bouquets freshly cut from plants within 48 hours.

Yunnan has built a complete industrial chain of cut flowers, including a flower trading market and a distribution system that serve not only China, but also the rest of Asia. The province produces 18 billion stems of cut flowers annually, and ranks first in China in terms of cut flower production and sales for 28 consecutive years.

At 9 a.m., endless rows of roses were growing vigorously at a demonstration garden for modern floriculture in Kunming, capital of Yunnan province. The park was managed by Yuntianhua, a company engaged in the manufacturing and selling of chemical products.

The massive greenhouses here have intricate networks of pipes and equipment. Picking up an irrigation tube from a flower planting tray, Lyu Jinlong, the operations director of a Yuntianhua subsidiary, told that the tube is over 100 meters long and can feed the flowers with water-fertilizer mixture from more than 500 separate outlets at the same time.

“We collect environmental data and flower growth information using sensors installed in the greenhouses, which will then guide an integrated water-fertilizer system to blend water-fertilizer mixtures in different ratios,” Lyu noted, adding that the fluids are applied directly to the roots of the flowers.

There are plenty of other high technologies inside the greenhouses, including adjustable roof panels that can control lighting intensity, films that can form diffused light, decay-resistant coconut husks for soilless cultivation and heating pipes that can regulate interior temperature and humidity.

Lyu said the company makes agricultural products with an industrialized approach, using computers for high-precision control over the greenhouse environment to achieve automated and intelligent production. This allows the company to grow plants in optimal conditions with less energy and fertilizer, he noted.

According to Lyu, with this system, daily water and fertilizer management for 107 mu (7.13 hectares) of flowers can be handled by just one person.

It is learned that under the intelligent planting mode, the quality and yield of flowers have been greatly improved. The rose yield per mu is 30,000 to 50,000 stems under traditional cultivation methods, while intelligent reforms have increased this number to 140,000 stems.

At 1 p.m., the auction hall of the Kunming International Flora Auction Trading Center (KIFA) was filled with people. All of its over 900 seats were occupied.

On a huge electronic screen in the front of the hall, real-time auction information was displayed, including varieties, grades, flaws and more information about the flowers. Nearly 1,000 flower brokers were concentrating on the information, getting ready to bid for their pre-selected flowers.

On average, a deal was made every four seconds. The intense and lively auction hall seemed like a stock exchange trading floor.

Flower brokers serve as a bridge between flower suppliers and source markets. They distribute flowers to regions across China after the auction.

About 5 to 6 million stems of cut flowers are up for auction every day, with transaction values exceeding 4.5 million yuan ($625,495), and all the flowers are evaluated by the KIFA with open and transparent prices, said Zhu Qi, the business planning lead of the KIFA.

Over 3,000 varieties of cut flowers under some 40 categories are entering the domestic market and more than 40 other countries and regions including Thailand, Japan, Singapore and Australia, according to Zhu.

The Kunming Dounan Flower Market where the KIFA is located is China’s only national-level flower market. In 2022, its trading volume reached nearly 11.04 billion stems, with a total transaction value of more than 12.14 billion yuan. At least seven out of every 10 stems of cut flowers in the Chinese market come from the Dounan market.

In the market, flower trading is conducted mainly through face-to-face transactions, auctions, and e-commerce. Traditional face-to-face transactions account for around 70 percent of the total.

“In the past, due to underdeveloped land-based cold chain logistics network, 90 percent of the flowers were shipped by air from the market, resulting in high logistics costs that drove up flower retail prices,” said Qian Chongjun, executive president of Dounan Flower.

Now, with the joint efforts of many parties, cold chain logistics systems have gone through accelerated development. Over 200 logistics companies have entered the Dounan market. Today, more than 80 percent of flowers are shipped via land-based cold chain logistics networks from the market, which significantly reduces logistics costs, Qian said.

The Yunnan branch of SF Express is a major carrier for fresh flower logistics in the market. Zhu Li’na, customer manager of the company’s sales department, told that flowers shipped by air can reach 146 cities within 24 hours, and 310 cities within 48 hours.

With regard to land transportation, SF Express has set up a daily refrigerated train line. Additionally, it also operates over 100 refrigerated trucks and 18 cold chain routes to ensure flower delivery, which are able to send flowers to 267 cities within 48 hours.

By Zhong Sheng, People’s Daily

On August 21 local time, the Central American Parliament adopted the resolution of revoking the “permanent observer status” of the so-called “Legislative Yuan” of the Taiwan region and accepting the National People’s Congress (NPC) of China as a permanent observer.

It once again indicates that the one-China principle represents the unstoppable trend of the times.

The one-China principle was confirmed by Resolution 2758 adopted by the UN General Assembly in 1971 and represents the universal consensus of the international community.

There is but one China in the world. Taiwan is an inalienable part of China’s territory, and the Government of the People’s Republic of China is the sole legal government representing the whole of China. This is an indisputable historical and legal fact.

Taiwan has no international legal status other than being a part of China, and has no right to join international organizations whose membership is confined to sovereign states.

In recent years, many Central American countries including Panama, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Nicaragua and Honduras have chosen to establish or restore diplomatic ties with China, which demonstrates that the one-China principle has become a broad consensus in the region.

The decision of the Central American Parliament, a parliamentary body of Central American sovereign states, to revoke Taiwan’s observer status and accept the NPC as an observer conforms to the trend of regional countries establishing or resuming diplomatic relations with China, and meets the expectation of peoples in the region to strengthen cooperation with China.

The vast majority of Central American countries adhere to the one-China principle, which creates political conditions to enhance cooperation with China in various fields and delivers tangible benefits to their people.

Since Panama established diplomatic ties with China, the two sides have launched broad mutually beneficial cooperation in economy, trade, finance, agriculture, tourism, transportation, and maritime affairs.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, China provided strong support to the Dominican Republic, for which the Dominican Republic Senate specially commended China.

Since establishing diplomatic relations with China, El Salvador has witnessed steady progress in its cooperation projects with the latter, including a National Library and a pier in La Libertad.

Laureano Ortega Murillo, Advisor to Nicaraguan President on Investment, Trade and International Cooperation and Coordinator for Cooperation with China, described the development of Nicaragua-China ties since the establishment of diplomatic relations as “fast,” “efficient” and “fruitful.”

Honduras established diplomatic relations with China in March this year. It has signed a memorandum of understanding on Belt and Road cooperation with China, and the first round of negotiations on China-Honduras free trade agreement kicked off in early July.

Central American people can see that strengthening cooperation with China benefits national development and improves people’s livelihood, and is in the fundamental interests of their countries and the region as a whole.

Recently, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a so-called “Taiwan International Solidarity Act.” The act claims that UN Resolution 2758 merely recognized the government of the People’s Republic of China as the sole legal representative of China at the UN, but it did not address the issue of representation of Taiwan and its people in the United Nations, nor did the resolution take a position on the relationship between the People’s Republic of China and Taiwan.

Such rhetoric blatantly distorts the UN resolution and is a despicable ploy to deceive public opinion regarding the Taiwan question.

It is reported that after the Central American Parliament proposed relevant motions, some U.S. politicians attempted to pressure the parliament under the guise of “democracy” while smearing China. The Taiwan Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities parroted them to confuse the public, and even hurled abuses at relevant Central American countries.

Faced with obstruction and pressure from U.S. politicians and the DPP authorities, the Central American Parliament made the right choice, which fully demonstrates the international community’s universal and firm commitment to the one-China principle, which is unshakable and unassailable. It also proves that any attempt to create “two Chinas” or “one China, one Taiwan” is bound to fail.

The one-China principle has the overwhelming support of the international community and represents the trend of the world. This trend cannot be stopped by any force.

Guatemala remains the only Central American Parliament member state that has yet to establish diplomatic ties with China, but the voice calling to accept the one-China principle is rising in the country.

It is believed that more and more countries and members of the international community will recognize the trend and make the right decision in line with the development of the times.

(Zhong Sheng is a pen name often used by People’s Daily to express its views on China’s foreign policy and international affairs.)

By Gu Chun, Dou Hao, People’s Daily

The concept of “Smart Asian Games” permeates every aspect of preparations for the 19th Asian Games to be held in Hangzhou, east China’s Zhejiang province.

From venue operations and maintenance to service support and the continuous improvement of spectator experience, Zhejiang province is utilizing diverse technologies to enhance the intelligence of the Games, striving to present a splendid event.

The digital intelligence management center for the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou’s Binjiang district has adopted a digital twin system that builds in the virtual space a model of a multipurpose sports cluster for the Games, including the main stadium and a tennis center, as well as supporting facilities and indoor control consoles.

The digital twin system obtains real data and information related to venue operations such as energy use, real-time conditions, as well as visitor and traffic flows. Through real-time perception, it can pinpoint abnormal equipment and emergencies, thus enabling comprehensive management of the venue complex.

The equestrian center in Hangzhou’s Tonglu county is leveraging an advanced intelligent system to improve horse management for equestrian competitions at the Hangzhou Asian Games.

“We have set up comprehensive digital profiles for horses, and process data such as horses’ health condition, quarantine sampling, sanitation in the stable area, feed inventory and usage through digital means, so as to provide information-based support for horse service,” said Wu Xiaoping, IT director of the equestrian center.

Equestrian competitions have high requirements for the weather. According to Wu, the intelligent system also accesses meteorological monitoring data.

Through a weather station set up in a corner of the venue, the system tracks weather, temperature, humidity, air pressure, rainfall, wind direction, wind speed and visibility around the venue in real-time, providing support for event operations, Wu added.

Intelligence is also reflected in the details of operations and maintenance for the Games across the province.

For instance, 18 sensors are installed beneath the turf of the Wenzhou Sports Center Stadium, one of the venues for the soccer matches of the Hangzhou Asian Games. These sensors collect and analyze data including root-zone temperature, moisture, pH value, as well as nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium contents, and even the light intensity on the turf surface, thus enabling science-based turf maintenance.

In Deqing county, the Deqing Sports Center Gymnasium has built a smart venue system containing modules for intelligent environment and security control to realize integrated management of the venue.

A sports and culture exhibition center in Hangzhou’s Lin’an district has established a database for materials so that everything from faucets to steel frames can be tracked for quality control through QR codes.

At the headquarters of the Hangzhou Branch of China Qi-yuan, an official agency responsible for board games and card games, an intelligent lighting control system can carry out centralized management and remote control of lighting based on pedestrian flow and outdoor light conditions.

At the Ningbo Xiangshan Banbianshan Beach Volleyball Center, the venue for holding the beach volleyball event of the Hangzhou Asian Games, the State Grid’s Ningbo power supply branch conducted a drill, which simulated a failure of a 10kV power line supplying electricity to the center.

As soon as the simulated failure occurred, a “smart brain” distribution automation system swiftly pinpointed the location of the fault. It immediately dispatched commands through encrypted channels to intelligent control switches along the power line, instructing them to isolate the fault section and reroute the supply via a backup line. Within seconds, power was restored to the venue.

On the roads outside a softball and baseball stadium in Shaoxing, a self-driving shuttle bus decorated with Asian Games elements was running, carrying spectators. Without a cab or steering wheel, it looked like a futuristic space capsule equipped with radars and visual cameras.

“Xiao Yu, please set the air conditioner to 26 degrees Celsius,” a passenger said.

If feeling too cold or hot on the bus, passengers can summon the robot “Xiao Yu” on the intelligent screen and ask it to adjust lighting and temperature with simple voice commands.

Running on the first self-driving bus route for Asian Games in Zhejiang province, the bus featured an autonomous driving system capable of scanning the vehicle’s surroundings, thereby handling lane keeping, cruise control, and automatic obstacle avoidance.

During the Asian Games, these autonomous shuttle buses will provide transportation services between the center and metro stations for local residents and spectators.

By Huan Yuping, People’s Daily

The 15th BRICS Summit is scheduled to run from August 22 to 24 in South Africa.

During the summit, BRICS leaders will conduct discussions on such topics as strengthening BRICS cooperation and expanding the BRICS mechanism.

South Africa has invited tens of leaders from Africa and emerging markets and developing countries (EMDCs) to attend relevant dialogues.

More and more countries are applying to join the BRICS mechanism. During the summit, leaders from EMDCs will discuss a wide range of topics.

This fully demonstrates that the BRICS mechanism, with growing influence and attractiveness, has gained widespread recognition and support.

As the world is undergoing changes unseen in a century, EMDCs are playing an increasingly important role in global governance.

I

South Africa’s BRICS Sherpa Anil Sooklal described BRICS as an “inclusive” organization that has always been open to dialogue with the larger global community. According to Sooklal, over 40 countries have expressed interest in joining the BRICS mechanism, and 20 more of them have submitted official applications.

The BRICS mechanism emerged amidst the historical trend of the collective rise of EMDCs. It represents the direction of evolution and adjustment of the global landscape and international order.

Over the past 17 years, by upholding the spirit of openness, inclusiveness and win-win cooperation, the BRICS countries have strengthened solidarity and collaboration, advocated fairness and justice, and pursued common development, continuously expanding their global influence.

Amidst a turbulent international situation, anti-globalization sentiments are escalating while unilateralism and protectionism are distinctly on the rise. The global economic recovery remains weak amid frequent regional conflicts and unrest.

Global governance challenges in spheres like energy, food, and climate are interlinked with regional security risks, while deficits in peace, development, security and governance are increasing globally.

“BRICS countries are attracting people who seek peace and cooperation,” said Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. His remarks underscored an important reason why many countries hope to join the BRICS mechanism.

The BRICS cooperation has always been oriented towards openness, inclusiveness and win-win cooperation, and opened its door to all EMDCs aspiring to seek development while maintaining independence.

The 2013 Summit in Durban of South Africa invited African leaders to participate in the dialogue.

The 2014 Summit in Fortaleza of Brazil invited leaders of South American countries to join the dialogue.

During the 2015 Summit in Russia’s Ufa, a meeting was held between the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) members and observers, the Eurasian Economic Union (EEU) leaders, leaders of invited countries and the BRICS countries.

A dialogue between BRICS leaders and the leaders of the member countries of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) was held during the 2016 Summit in Goa of India.

And during the Xiamen Summit in 2017, China put forward the innovative “BRICS Plus” cooperation model, building a new platform for solidarity, cooperation and common development of the vast developing countries.

The BRICS cooperation does not engage in exclusive “small circles.” Last year, the group started a new round of expansion.

BRICS cooperation is an innovation. It transcends the old pattern of political and military alliances and pursues a new relationship of partnership featuring non-alignment; it transcends the old mindset of drawing lines by ideology and takes a new path of mutual respect and common progress; it gets rid of the old game of “One’s gain is another’s loss” and winner-takes-all mindset and practices the new concept of mutual benefit and win-win cooperation.

BRICS has become a model for EMDCs to carry out South-South cooperation and attain self-reliance through solidarity.

The BRICS countries have achieved success and progress without relying on other nations to serve their own interests, said Spanish news agency Agencia EFE.

The BRICS countries’ decisive role in advancing major global agenda will make the world more just and stable, and calls for their explicit support will likely intensify, according to the article.

II

The BRICS mechanism has formed a multi-level, wide-ranging and all-round cooperation framework, becoming a major platform for exchanges, dialogues and cooperation among developing countries in politics, economy, finance, development, culture and other areas.

The steady augmentation of the BRICS countries’ economic strength provides the foundation for the rapid advancement of BRICS cooperation.

According to data provided by Acorn Macro Consulting, a UK-based macroeconomic research firm, in 2022, the BRICS countries accounted for 31.5 percent of the global economy, surpassing the G7 share of 30.7 percent. This gap is expected to be widened by 2025, the data showed.

The macroeconomic stability of the BRICS countries has laid an important foundation for the enduring attractiveness of the BRICS mechanism.

The BRICS countries are committed to promoting economic recovery.

The intertwined impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the Ukraine crisis has led to disruptions in the global industrial and supply chains, a continuous rise in commodity prices, and increased fragility of the international monetary and financial system.

The BRICS countries have made vital contributions to global economic growth by steadily advancing cooperation in the areas including currency and finance, trade and investment, as well as energy and resources. They have also continuously expanded cooperation in supply chains, logistics, agriculture, food security, local currency settlement, cross-border payments and other domains.

The BRICS countries focus on common development.

Currently, global development is suffering from severe disruption. The momentum of international development and cooperation is losing strength, the North-South gap is further widening, and the implementation of the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development has been impeded.

The BRICS countries have made global development a key focus of their cooperation. They have firmly defended developing countries’ interests under such multilateral frameworks as the Group of 20 (G20) and the World Trade Organization (WTO), making unremitting efforts to advance the implementation of the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

The BRICS countries insist on exploring new ground.

The world is becoming increasingly information-oriented, while the new round of sci-tech revolution represented by AI is in full swing.

The BRICS countries have advocated a partnership on the new industrial revolution, strengthening cooperation in future networks, industrial internet and digital manufacturing, digital transformation of the manufacturing industry, standardization and other areas.

Keeping pace with the prevailing trends of the digital economy, the BRICS countries have formulated and updated the strategy for BRICS economic partnership, continuously promoting cooperation in education, science, technology and other domains. Such efforts have built a talent pool for sustainable development and innovation cooperation.

In the face of raging torrents and storms, the BRICS countries work together to build a high-quality partnership that is more comprehensive, closer, more pragmatic and inclusive, continuously elevating the influence of BRICS cooperation.

Russian political analyst Timur Fomenko believes the strategic importance of BRICS cooperation is growing because it represents the cooperation carried out by the Global South countries to shape an economic future that is not dominated by Western powers.

III

The growth of the BRICS countries is driving adjustments in the international landscape, fundamentally changing the political and economic map of the world.

In an article published by the European website Modern Diplomacy, the rise of the BRICS countries is viewed as a new world order and a shift in power to the “Global South.”

The reform of the global governance system is at a historic turning point. EMDCs are experiencing rapid growth, continuously expanding their influence on the international stage.

In the face of growing global challenges, the West-led world order, which is characterized by post-colonial order, double standards, and neglect of developing countries’ concerns, does not truly meet the common needs of EMDCs to pursue peace, development and cooperation.

The mindset of certain Western powers, operating under the guise of a so-called “rules-based international order,” has become an impediment to global economic development and social progress.

The BRICS countries champion true multilateralism, making decisions founded on the principles of equality and consensus.

As a representative outcome of BRICS cooperation, the New Development Bank adopts a unique governance structure, in which the five founding members have equal shareholding power and voting rights. This provides a new option for the governance of multilateral development financial institutions.

The BRICS countries have made important contributions to advancing a more just and rational international order by considering the creation of a new reserve currency based on a basket of currencies of member countries, launching a new round of expansion, and inviting non-BRICS countries to discuss digital economy issues.

The BRICS countries actively promote reform of the global governance system, striving to increase the representation and voice of EMDCs.

To handle incessant traditional and non-traditional security threats, the BRICS countries support each other on issues involving their core interests, preferring dialogue instead of confrontation.

In various global multilateral mechanisms, including the UN, the G20, the WTO, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank, the BRICS countries have actively strengthened policy dialogues and position coordination. They ensure that their voice is heard and solutions are provided, thereby promoting constructive reform of the international system.

“Above all, BRICS defends multipolarity and multilateralism … By defending multilateralism, BRICS countries are countering the concept of the Cold War and opening up the possibility of a more equitable and just international economic order that benefits the world,” Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel said recently.

The BRICS cooperation is the most important platform for solidarity and cooperation among developing countries. As the core mechanism representing countries of the South, it embodies the earnest expectations of developing countries.

Under the new circumstances, the BRICS countries must stand on the right side of history, stand for the advancement of human civilizations, pursue development and foster cooperation.

By advancing the BRICS mechanism, they can make new contributions to driving world multipolarity, economic globalization, and democratization of international relations, so that the world can hear more BRICS voices and witness greater BRICS contributions.

By Chen Xiaodong

At the invitation of South African President Ramaphosa, Chinese President Xi Jinping will attend the 15th BRICS Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa and pay a state visit to South Africa from August 21 to 24.
The BRICS mechanism is an important cooperation platform for emerging markets and developing countries. It has become a key force in promoting world economic growth, reforming the global governance system, and upholding international peace and stability.
President Xi’s meeting with BRICS leaders to discuss cooperation will strongly promote the steady and sustained progress of BRICS cooperation and make new contributions to world peace and development.
BRICS cooperation will be further highlighted by solidarity and cooperation. The five BRICS countries have come together to build partnerships, achieve common development, bring about greater democracy in international relations and advance world peace and development.
China has always been a staunch defender of BRICS solidarity and cooperation. Since 2013, President Xi has hosted or attended BRICS Summits for 10 consecutive years, charting the course for deepening strategic partnerships of the BRICS countries and strengthening BRICS solidarity and cooperation.
Practical cooperation will further improve the quality of BRICS cooperation. China has always been an active promoter of BRICS practical cooperation. At the 5th BRICS Summit held in 2013, the Chinese side proposed that BRICS should move toward the goal of integrated markets, multi-tiered network, connectivity by land, air and sea, and greater cultural exchanges, which clearly outlined the direction for BRICS cooperation.
During the 10th BRICS Summit in Johannesburg in 2018, China proposed to jointly build the BRICS Partnership on New Industrial Revolution (PartNIR). In 2020, China announced to set up an innovation center for such a partnership in Xiamen, Fujian province, which is expected to play a key role in enhancing BRICS countries’ international competitiveness.
From hosting the BRICS High-level Meeting on Climate Change, the BRICS Forum on Big Data for Sustainable Development, and the BRICS Seminar on Governance and Cultural Exchange Forum, to establishing the BRICS Technical and Vocational Education and Training Cooperation Alliance (BRICS-TCA) and holding the BRICS Vocational Skills Competitions, China has taken real action to energize BRICS cooperation and global development.
The vision for long-term development will add new vitality to BRICS. As an African proverb goes, “If you want to walk fast, walk alone. But if you want to walk far, walk together.” The Chinese often say, “The going is difficult when doing it alone; the going becomes easier when doing it with many others. ” Win-win cooperation is the inherent theme of the BRICS mechanism.
China has always been a builder of the BRICS mechanism. During the 2017 BRICS Summit in Xiamen, President Xi proposed the “BRICS Plus” cooperation approach, leading BRICS cooperation into a new phase.
At last year’s 14th BRICS Summit, President Xi pointed out that BRICS countries gather not in a closed club or an exclusive circle, but a big family of mutual support and a partnership for win-win cooperation.
During the meeting, BRICS leaders reached important common understandings about BRICS expansion and expressed support for discussion on the standards and procedures of the expansion. China welcomes and looks forward to like-minded partners joining the BRICS family.
As developing countries with major influence, China and South Africa enjoy a special bond of “camaraderie + brotherhood.” South Africa was the first African country to sign an agreement with China on jointly building the Belt and Road Initiative.
During his state visit to South Africa, President Xi will exchange views with President Ramaphosa on bilateral ties as well as international and regional issues of common concerns, discuss the future development of bilateral relations, and jointly embark on a new journey of building a high-level China-South Africa community with a shared future.
The giant ship of BRICS will start a new voyage from South Africa. China stands ready to work with all parties to uphold the BRICS spirit of openness, inclusiveness and win-win cooperation, open a new chapter of BRICS cooperation, and contribute more Chinese wisdom and strength to maintaining world stability and prosperity, upholding true multilateralism, and building a community with a shared future for mankind.
(Chen Xiaodong is the Chinese Ambassador to South Africa)

By He Yin, People’s Daily

Chinese President Xi Jinping will attend the 15th BRICS Summit to be held in Johannesburg, South Africa and pay a state visit to South Africa from Aug. 21 to 24. While in South Africa, President Xi Jinping will co-chair with President Ramaphosa the China-Africa Leaders’ Dialogue.

It is believed that Xi’s visit will contribute Chinese plans and wisdom to deepening the partnership among BRICS countries and improving the BRICS cooperation mechanism. This visit is expected to draw a blueprint for the development of China-South Africa relations and China-Africa ties, making the pie of cooperation bigger and the force of progress stronger.

Since its establishment, BRICS has remained true to its founding purpose of seeking strength through solidarity, upheld the spirit of openness, inclusiveness and win-win cooperation, and deepened practical cooperation in various fields. It has become an important force driving global governance reform with increasing international influence.

China attaches high importance to the BRICS mechanism.

Since 2013, Xi has put forward a series of important proposals and initiatives during his meeting with other BRICS leaders, charting the course and providing guidelines for promoting deeper and more practical BRICS cooperation, as well as building a closer and more pragmatic partnership.

In 2017, Xi chaired the ninth BRICS Summit in Xiamen, southeast China’s Fujian province, ushering in the second golden decade of BRICS cooperation. He proposed the groundbreaking “BRICS Plus” cooperation model, and for the first time invited representatives from other emerging economies and developing countries to attend dialogues.

Last year, China once again assumed the BRICS chairmanship and hosted over 170 activities in various fields, promoting important progress in the BRICS cooperation.

The first “BRICS Plus” dialogue at the foreign minister level was held, and the “BRICS Plus” events were expanded to multiple areas including sci-tech innovation, people-to-people and cultural exchanges, and sustainable development, leaving a deep China imprint on BRICS cooperation.

It is believed that the 15th BRICS Summit will carry forward the sound momentum of cooperation from the BRICS “China Year” 2022 and chart a brighter future for BRICS.

After decades of development, the significance of the BRICS cooperation has gone beyond the five countries. The mechanism has become an important platform promoting common development and prosperity for emerging markets and developing countries.

At the High-level Dialogue on Global Development held last year, Xi proposed to foster a development paradigm featuring benefits for all, balance, coordination, inclusiveness, win-win cooperation and common prosperity, and announced a series of important measures in implementing the Global Development Initiative, leading the international community, including the BRICS countries, to seek global development with a broad vision and a long-term perspective. and to promote common development with pragmatic actions and forceful measures.

In multilateral mechanisms such as the United Nations and the Group of 20 (G20), the BRICS countries have practiced true multilateralism and worked to make the system of global governance fairer and more equitable.

South Africa’s BRICS Sherpa Anil Sooklal recently noted that more than 40 countries have expressed interest in joining the BRICS mechanism, and over 20 of them have already submitted official applications.

This fully proves that the BRICS mechanism is broadly recognized and supported by the international community, demonstrating greater vitality and appeal.

This year marks the 25th anniversary of diplomatic ties between China and South Africa. Over the past 25 years, the bilateral relations of the two countries have made historic leaps forward from partnership, strategic partnership to comprehensive strategic partnership.

Xi, who is about to pay his first state visit to South Africa in the recent 5 years, will exchange views with his South African counterpart Ramaphosa on bilateral relations and international and regional issues of mutual interest, and draw a blueprint for the growth of bilateral relations. The visit will provide a strong impetus for building a high-level China-South Africa community with a shared future.

The two heads of state will also jointly chair the China-Africa Leaders’ Dialogue, where China and African countries will discuss under the theme of “Promoting African integration and jointly building a high-level China-Africa community with a shared future.” They will have in-depth exchanges on working together to advance their modernization and foster a peaceful, just and open environment for development.

China and Africa will firmly carry forward the spirit of China-Africa friendship and cooperation, fully implement the “nine programs” for China-Africa practical cooperation, join hands in high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, and steadily promote China-Africa friendship and upgrade China-Africa cooperation.

Profound changes unseen in a century are evolving rapidly, and tremendous changes are taking place in the international landscape. Gaining a growing sense of strategic autonomy, emerging markets and developing countries are playing a more and more important role on the international stage.

China will work together with relevant countries to continuously deepen solidarity and cooperation with other emerging markets and developing countries, promote the building of a community with a shared future for mankind with responsible actions, and work together to create a better future for humanity.