China welcomed the addition of the African Union as a full member — a move that will further elevate the representation and voice of the Global South in international governance and contribute to further global democratization. This is precisely what China has been striving for.

Given Washington’s strategic hostility toward China and its continual assertion of national security, it’s unrealistic to expect a general improvement in economic and commercial ties. New curbs on China — and more friction — are likely in the offing.

The BRICS stand at the cusp of a new and complex era in global politics. They must rise to the challenge with fairness and grace and restore a sense of community and equilibrium to the United Nations-centered international economic and political order.

The first debate between the Republican Party’s candidates for next year’s US presidential election revealed major schisms over foreign policy. While former US Vice President Mike Pence and former US Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley defended America’s support for Ukraine in Russia’s war of aggression, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and businessman Vivek Ramaswamy expressed skepticism. Former President Donald Trump – the unquestioned front-runner – skipped the event, but he, too, has objected to US involvement in that conflict.

Italy’s Belt and Road engagement, which was led by the previous liberal administration, is coming to an end, but the inroads China has made in Italy means that creating distance can’t be done with the stroke of a pen.

Countries in the group are playing an increasingly vital role in international affairs and have become an integral part of existing international multilateral mechanisms. Now the group is expanding to include even more.

Six new members joined the group in the first expansion since 2010. The new alignment shows the desire of intermediate countries to play a bigger role in international affairs in a great awakening of international political awareness.

America is working to advance its trade ties with China while at the same time escalating export controls and pressure to manage the great power rivalry. The recent visit by Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo reinforces the point.

During a BRICS meeting in Johannesburg, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi mistakenly claimed that India had landed on China when referring to the moon's southern region. This slip of the tongue inadvertently highlights the challenges of international cooperation, including territorial disputes, and contrasts the ease of space exploration with struggles to resolve Earthly conflicts.

The ongoing Second Thomas Shoal incident could trigger misjudgments and a wider conflict. Keeping the peace will require a comprehensive approach to crisis management, especially where foundational principles are involved.