Illustration: Chen Xia/GT

Countries showing interest in BRICS membership have seen a significant increase over the years. Malaysia and Thailand are the latest countries in Southeast Asia to express interest in joining the group. The number of African and Latin American countries seeking to join BRICS is continuously increasing, and there is also a gradual spread of applicants from various regions in Asia. It can be said that BRICS countries as typical representatives of the Global South and BRICS cooperation as a new practice of South-South cooperation have obtained a wide consensus among an increasing number of developing countries.

BRICS has received positive attention mainly due to having shown real development success over the past nearly two decades. The unfairness and irrationality of the existing international system and international order have continuously harmed developing countries. These two factors combined have driven more emerging markets and developing countries toward closer alignment with BRICS.

Although financial and economic cooperation is just one of the pillars of BRICS cooperation, it is the primary dimension that attracts most countries to the group. Against the backdrop of long-term sluggish global economic recovery, the earliest five BRICS members contribute over 50 percent to global economic growth. Now, with five new members, BRICS not only sees a better average growth rate, but also more potential in terms of resource endowment, market capacity and development scale. 

Furthermore, BRICS has pioneered the establishment of the New Development Bank, mobilizing resources for infrastructure and sustainable development projects in multiple member countries. This has given other countries ample confidence to apply for membership. At the same time, BRICS insists on the peaceful resolution of international disputes, effectively safeguarding global and regional security. It also promotes cultural exchanges to enhance mutual understanding among people and pushes for the coexistence and mutual learning among different civilizations. Furthermore, it provides BRICS wisdom and BRICS solutions for other countries to handle international relations effectively. As the BRICS spirit indicates, openness and inclusiveness grant each member more dignity, while strengthened collaboration and consensus result in greater gains for everyone.

If BRICS countries' strivings for prosperity serve as a "pulling force" attracting other emerging markets and developing countries, then the obduracy of a few developed countries is the "push force" urging the Global South to gradually align with BRICS. Faced with the international political and economic order constructed and dominated by the developed country bloc, especially certain hegemonic powers, developing nations have consistently demanded reforms that more accurately reflect the shifting balance of power within the international system and better represent their voices and interests. The Global South is increasingly aware that they must have a reliable leader to maximize and safeguard their legitimate rights and interests during the long and arduous process of North-South dialogue. This role has historically fallen to BRICS.

The multipolar process advocated by BRICS and its commitment to multilateralism stand in stark contrast to the hegemonism, power politics and unilateral sanctions pursued by certain developed nations. More importantly, the existing "rich man's club" resembles a closed circle, where even if some countries manage to secure a "ticket" to the periphery of the discussion, they are still unable to achieve truly equal dialogue and share the benefit with the members of this exclusive grouping. 

In contrast, BRICS has consistently kept its doors open, responding sincerely to the expectations of all parties. It promotes the accession of eligible members to the group through pragmatic actions and prepares to address the urgent need for an expanding circle of friends by establishing the partner country model.

In conclusion, the appeal of BRICS remains steadfastly poised to exhibit significant international impact in the new era of "greater BRICS cooperation." Of course, to maintain and further enhance this attractiveness, the group must continually deepen institutional mechanisms, elevate cooperation efficiency and adeptly manage the sensitive and complex relationships with other emerging markets and developing countries, as well as developed nations.

The author is the executive dean of the Institute of BRICS Studies at Sichuan International Studies University. opinion@globaltimes.com.cn