BRICS to expand and enhance global influence in 2025

(CLO) Entering 2025, BRICS continues to expand with Indonesia becoming the newest official member, along with eight other countries becoming partner nations. This shows that BRICS continues to develop strongly, expanding its representation and influence on the international stage.

This move is seen as a pivotal moment in BRICS history, and a sign of a gradual shift in global power dynamics, as the group continues to draw in Southern Hemisphere nations.

Originally comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, BRICS now accounts for nearly half of the global population, more than one-third of the global economy , and contributes more than half of the world's economic growth.

Indonesia, Southeast Asia's largest economy and the world's fourth most populous country, is the first Southeast Asian member to join BRICS since the group expanded in 2023. Malaysia and Thailand have also become new BRICS partners.

Last year, BRICS admitted new members such as Egypt, Ethiopia, the UAE, and Iran, while more than 30 other countries are believed to have applied to join the organization.

The Indonesian Foreign Ministry stated that joining BRICS is a strategic step aimed at enhancing cooperation with other developing countries and a commitment to building a more equitable global system.

Illustration photo: GI

As BRICS enters an era of stronger cooperation, China has expressed its willingness to cooperate to promote openness, inclusiveness, and mutually beneficial collaboration. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun stated that cooperation among BRICS countries will become even stronger in the future.

In his speech at the 16th BRICS Summit in Kazan, Russia, President Xi Jinping emphasized the development of higher-quality cooperation and called on BRICS countries to build a strong multilateral mechanism to drive solidarity among Southern Hemisphere nations and promote reforms in global governance.

Zhu Jiejin, a professor at Fudan University, argues that the BRICS governance model, particularly its emphasis on equal cooperation and mutual respect, is what enhances the bloc's appeal.

He cited the New Development Bank (NDB) as an example, the first multilateral development bank established entirely by emerging economies and developing countries.

"Unlike the World Bank, the NDB ensures equality by giving all founding member countries equal voting rights, with no country holding veto power. This institutional framework guarantees fairness, common good, and respect among members," Zhu said.

BRICS has also developed into a significant force in opposing protectionism and expanding global markets, with China's strong involvement in green innovation and development initiatives.

Last October, China announced the establishment of several key organizations aimed at upgrading BRICS cooperation, including the BRICS Digital Ecosystem Cooperation Network, and has received active participation from many countries.

Lan Qingxin, director of the BRICS Research Center at the University of International Business and Economics, emphasized that the inclusive and expansive nature of BRICS will continue to attract more countries, especially in the face of increasing strategic competition among major powers.

Mr. Lan stated that, regarding important issues such as geopolitical crises, the larger BRICS group plays a leading role in amplifying the voices of Southern Hemisphere countries in advocating for fairness and justice, while promoting dialogue and consultation to resolve disputes, contributing to security, stability, and a favorable environment for development.

Ngoc Anh (according to China Daily, Ground News)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/brics-mo-rong-va-nang-cao-anh-huong-toan-cau-trong-nam-2025-post329678.html