As the global political and economic order undergoes profound change, the 17th BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro has marked a crucial milestone. This gathering of emerging economies, held under Brazil’s chairmanship with this year’s theme on Strengthening Global South Cooperation for More Inclusive and Sustainable Governance, was a defining moment in the global order.
It showed that the momentum toward a more inclusive, equitable and balanced international system is building under the leadership of China and other countries in the grouping covering nearly half of the world population with over 40 percent of global GDP in purchasing power parity. This scale gives BRICS the responsibility to lead with purpose and clarity. With the strength and new additions BRICS, it is significantly shaping the contours of tomorrow’s governance structures.
This year’s summit came against the backdrop of heightened global economic tensions, especially with the United States under President Donald Trump threatening new tariffs of up to 10 percent on countries he described as “aligning with BRICS.” Rather than retreat in the face of such pressure, the summit issued a strong, collective response. The BRICS leaders voiced serious concerns about the rise of unilateral tariff and non-tariff measures that distort trade and contravene World Trade Organization rules. They warned that such protectionist actions could further destabilize the global economy and hinder sustainable development. In response, BRICS doubled down on its commitment to multilateralism, inclusive growth, and South-South cooperation positioning itself as a stabilizing force and a credible counterbalance to the volatility of current global trade policies.
What distinguishes the current phase of BRICS cooperation is the convergence of political maturity with practical mechanisms. The announcement of Colombia and Uzbekistan joining the New Development Bank is an example of how inclusive finance can support sustainable development without coercive conditions. The bank, under President Dilma Rousseff’s guidance, has moved from concept to credible actor. With over 120 projects worth $40 billion, it serves a vital role in providing countries of the Global South with choices, something often absent in the traditional financial architecture.
China’s role in this evolving movement is both visionary and steady. Premier Li Qiang’s remarks at the plenary session on peace, security and reform of global governance reflected a commitment grounded in both principle and pragmatism. His reaffirmation of President Xi Jinping’s vision which is anchored in extensive consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits offered a model of multilateralism shaped by respect, not rivalry.
During the summit, Premier Li held pivotal meetings with leaders from Brazil and Ethiopia. With Brazil, agreements were signed in artificial intelligence, fiscal affairs, and aerospace underscoring a shared ambition for high-quality growth. The joint commitment to ensure the success of the China-Brazil Year of Culture in 2026 speaks to a deeper civilizational engagement that extends beyond economics.
With Ethiopia, the conversation centered on the Addis Ababa–Djibouti Railway, a flagship Belt and Road project. China reaffirmed its commitment to working with African partners through infrastructure, digital transformation, and policy coordination. These engagements reflect a deeper principle—China’s approach is defined by mutual respect, long-term partnerships, and alignment with national priorities rather than external prescriptions.
China is also steering the agenda toward innovation-driven development. The announcement of the China-BRICS New Quality Productive Forces Research Center, along with the BRICS Excellence Scholarships, is a forward-thinking commitment to capacity building. These are investments in people and knowledge to create a shared future for mutual prosperity.
The BRICS Rio Summit also presented a united voice on the issue of global governance reform. The endorsement of a restructured United Nations Security Council, with increased representation for developing countries, is an important standpoint towards evolution of multilateralism. China’s support for Brazil and India playing a larger role within the UN system is infact a willingness to share space and responsibilities.
The summit did not ignore the rising economic threats. The collective opposition to unilateral tariff actions and trade protectionism was clearly expressed. China’s position, as reiterated by the Foreign Ministry, is that coercive tools harm global growth. Instead, the path forward lies in openness and mutual benefit. At a time when walls are being built, China is offering bridges.
BRICS is now gradually moving forward to build on the institutionalization of the group formally establishing BRICS Secretariat, Council of Ministers and developing its Charter are few of the future goals that the network is expected to see and form. This is gaining traction as the consistent political will and policy alignment is growing.
What BRICS represents today is a possibility. A possibility of a world where no single region or ideology claims monopoly over progress. It offers a platform where emerging voices are not merely heard but are shaping rules, setting agendas, and creating new tools. For countries like Pakistan, which share many of the development priorities and aspirations of BRICS members, the bloc offers both inspiration and opportunity.
As BRICS moves toward its next summit under India’s chairmanship in 2026, the task will be to translate this growing unity into more structured impact. China’s role as an advocate of fairness, as a builder of partnerships, and as a promoter of peace will remain pivotal. In these uncertain times, clarity of purpose and consistency of action are vital. The BRICS Summit in Rio showed that such clarity exists, and China continues to offer it in both word and deed.
Muhammad Asif Noor is Founder Friends of BRI Forum, Advisor to Pakistan Research Center, Hebei Normal University.
The article reflects the author's opinions, and not necessarily the views of iChongqing and Bridging News.