Providing mutual support in the international arena

To a point, what drives the five BRICS nations to stand together is Washington's overseas security strategy, which is not happy about the major powers in a region taking control of regional affairs. As regional leaders and emerging economies, the BRICS countries have every reason to support each other in the global political arena.

Since they have different cultures, economic conditions, and national interests, they have to be careful in their bilateral and multilateral exchanges. China, for instance, has several strategic options to make sure the bloc works despite the differences that exist among its members.

The first is unity. That the five states stick to agreed arrangements under the BRICS framework and hold regular leadership meetings, so they can demonstrate their political resolutions, stances, and appeals in a way that the West might feel obliged to take seriously.

The second is utilitarianism. Although their primary concerns and interests can vary, or even clash, the BRICS members are better together than apart. The rise of China in recent years is reshaping the geopolitical situation in Asia, and may exert unwanted influences on its partnerships with Russia and India in terms of border disputes. The existence of the BRICS is conducive to keeping unnecessary troubles at bay.

Pragmatism is also needed to maintain unity. It is justifiable and understandable for China to aid major regional powers in need of support. BRICS can and should be a viable platform that balances the global governance and gives developing economies more say.

Zhu Feng, executive director of the China Center for Collaborative Studies on the South China Sea at Nanjing University