First used by American political activist Carl Oglesby during the Vietnam War era, the concept expanded rapidly in academic circles in the United States and Europe. The U.S. and others have attempted to exclude China from the list.

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.

With its expanded membership, the BRICS group has raised expectations for the Global South. It will promote democracy in international relations and ultimately achieve the goal of rebalancing the global power structure.

China’s influence in developing countries is crucial to its diplomacy. In the tumultuous China-U.S. rivalry, these relationships are crucial. China should promote quality and efficiency as it cooperates with other developing nations to bolster the overall interests of the Global South.

In the late 70s of the last century I was appointed as a member of the Egyptian delegation to the United Nations in Geneva dealing with international security issues and disarmament at the Palais des Nation. A young Egyptian diplomat, I was quickly startled when i witnessed both the Soviet and American delegates vehemently arguing and promoting the strategic logic, sustainability and intrinsic deterrent value of nuclear deterrence and particularly that of “Mutually Assured Destruction ”. China had not yet joined the Committee as a functioning member.

The international landscape has changed dramatically over the past decade, with emerging economies and the intertwining of the interests around the world. The United States will find it difficult to continue on the path that it has pursued since World War II.

Ukrainians have paid dearly for Russia’s incursion, which most of the world believes was not justified. The Ukrainian people know they are fighting for their homes, and that’s what will ultimately tilt the balance on the battlefield.

When the Biden administration speaks of challenges to the liberal international order, it should be understood that U.S. anxiety over the “authoritarianism” it attributes to China and Russia is an external projection of internal domestic ideological contradictions and external troubles.

In turbulent times, China remains steadfastly committed to its path of peaceful development. The words of President Xi Jinping and State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi are worthy of thoughtful study.

It is counterproductive to set China and the ‘West’ up as rivals locked in an existential struggle over values. In light of the increasingly polarized views of the East and the West, it is crucial to steer clear of political absolutism to have a more truthful understanding and practical progress on a range of issues such as policy, education, health, etc.