China’s role in lifting BRICS into global powerhouse
By Onyango KOnyango, July 8, 2025As the BRICS Summit wrapped up yesterday in Rio de Janeiro, international attention once again shifted to this influential alliance of emerging economies.
What initially began as an informal coalition has evolved into a structured and influential platform for international collaboration, increasingly representing the collective voice of the Global South. At the heart of this evolution is China.
Through consistent leadership, strong economic engagement, and an inclusive global vision, China has been a key architect in transforming BRICS into a major force in world affairs.
The term “BRICS” was first introduced in 2001 by an economist as a shorthand for Brazil, Russia, India, and China—with South Africa joining in 2010.
At the time, it was a purely conceptual grouping with no institutional backing.
But China saw an opportunity to bring the idea to life, viewing BRICS as a foundation for advancing common interests among developing nations, deepening South-South ties, and reshaping the global governance framework to reflect contemporary geopolitical realities.
Since the inaugural BRICS summit in 2009, China has played a decisive and proactive role. Understanding the need for concrete structure, it championed initiatives to give BRICS institutional strength.
A major step came in 2015 with the launch of the New Development Bank (NDB), headquartered in Shanghai.
This multilateral bank was established to support infrastructure and sustainable development projects across BRICS countries and other developing economies.
It stands as a testament to China’s dedication to promoting practical, inclusive solutions to global development challenges.
China’s influence as the economic anchor of BRICS is clear. As the group’s largest economy, China has powered much of the internal trade, investment, and development financing within the bloc.
The growth in trade between BRICS nations owes much to China’s economic momentum and connectivity. These ties have fostered a stronger, more interlinked economic landscape among developing nations.
Yet China’s contribution extends well beyond the economic sphere. It has championed BRICS as a forum for addressing key global challenges—ranging from energy and health security to climate change and digital transformation.
Notably, during the COVID-19 crisis, China provided timely assistance to fellow BRICS members and other developing nations by supplying vaccines, medical gear, and technical aid—highlighting its commitment to global health cooperation.
One of China’s most forward-thinking initiatives has been promoting the expansion of BRICS through the “BRICS Plus” concept.
This strategy has welcomed new countries, including Egypt, Iran, and Ethiopia, into the fold, expanding the bloc’s geographic and strategic reach.
China’s support for this inclusive approach reflects its broader vision of multilateralism—one where more nations from the Global South have a meaningful say in shaping global outcomes.
The writer is a Journalist and Communication Consultant
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