【By Observer News, Xiong Chaoran】Amid the chaos caused by U.S. President Trump's reckless attacks on free trade, international organizations, and human rights, the old global order is in a state of high turbulence. At this time, Chris Ogden, the head of the Global Studies Program at the University of Auckland in New Zealand, wrote an opinion article in Hong Kong's South China Morning Post, arguing that small countries like New Zealand must adjust their foreign policies and adopt a "hedging strategy".

In an article published on October 12, Ogden pointed out that as long-term economic and diplomatic power shifts toward Asia and the broader "Indo-Pacific region", the importance of alternative multilateral organizations is increasingly evident. Among these, the most prominent is the "BRICS" group, which has become a mature and potentially dominant economic power center. Although it is not yet clear whether New Zealand will consider joining, the organization has already included many major countries that are crucial to its future.

Ogden noted that the core strategic logic of BRICS is based on "consensus and solidarity," rather than "coercion," with member states achieving common interests through collective strength. It is precisely because of their large economies, populations, land areas, and ambitions that these factors support BRICS' shared goal of building a multipolar world.

He emphasized that now, with Trump's isolationist "America First" policy, the multipolar pattern seems to be accelerating in different ways.

Chris Ogden, Photo

The BRICS cooperation mechanism started in 2006, composed of China, Russia, India, Brazil, and South Africa. The member countries account for 26.46% of the world's total land area and 41.93% of the world's total population. In recent years, the international influence of BRICS has been constantly increasing. On January 1, 2024, with Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the UAE, Iran, and Ethiopia becoming official members, the number of BRICS members increased from 5 to 10.

Ogden recalled in his article that in 2012, due to common concerns about food and energy security, terrorism, and climate change, BRICS signed the Delhi Declaration, which clearly stated:

"We look forward to a future of world peace, economic development, social progress, and scientific and technological prosperity. We are willing to work together with all parties, developed and developing countries alike, to face the opportunities and challenges of today's world on the basis of recognized international law principles and multilateral decision-making. Increasing the representation of emerging and developing countries in global governance institutions will enhance the efficiency of these institutions in achieving the above goals."

In 2013, BRICS established the New Development Bank (NDB), also known as the "BRICS Bank," aimed at gradually reforming the world financial system after the 2008 global financial crisis. The "BRICS Bank" is dedicated to providing funding for sustainable development and infrastructure projects in developing countries, and has now become a significant force competing with traditional Western institutions such as the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund.

This year, Indonesia became an official member of BRICS. The article pointed out that after the expansion, the share of BRICS members in the global economy rose to 39% in 2023, the land area accounted for 36% of the world's total land area, and the population accounted for 48.5% of the world's total population.

Additionally, BRICS holds approximately 72% of the world's rare earth reserves, 43.6% of the world's oil production, 36% of the world's natural gas production, and 78.2% of the world's coal production.

"From these indicators, BRICS is a powerful group that is economically and diplomatically significant," the article wrote.

From an economic perspective, since around 2019, BRICS performance has surpassed the Group of Seven (G7) comprising the United States, Germany, Japan, the UK, France, Italy, and Canada. From a diplomatic perspective, BRICS member states have committed to better coordinating their policies through meetings during the UN General Assembly, the IMF, the World Bank, and the G20 summit.

Therefore, joining such an organization provides countries with an attractive way to enhance their trade and diplomatic influence and hedge against the instability caused by the United States.

On July 6, 2025, the 17th BRICS Leaders' Summit officially opened in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Bloomberg.

The author admitted that given the current geopolitical situation, New Zealand may be hesitant to establish closer relations with Russia and Iran, but joining the BRICS group would also provide New Zealand with more diplomatic opportunities.

Facts show that like many American allies, New Zealand has joined the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) proposed by China, and signed a free trade agreement with China in 2008, which did not result in any so-called "negative consequences".

The article said that to become a member of BRICS, one can be invited or submit an application, and it will be reviewed at the next BRICS annual summit.

Additionally, another way is to apply for the status of a BRICS partner country, equivalent to an "observer state". These countries can participate in BRICS summits and foreign ministers' meetings, and contribute to official documents and policy statements, but they have no right to host meetings or decide on the admission of new members or partner countries.

Most importantly, joining BRICS does not mean that New Zealand needs to leave other multilateral institutions. Instead, Ogden strongly believes that this will be a pragmatic move for New Zealand to expand its diplomatic space and prepare for a future where the Asia and "Indo-Pacific region" (currently the largest economic and military region in the world) will become even stronger.

In addition to Indonesia, on January 1 this year, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Cuba, Bolivia, and many other countries also became BRICS partner countries. Many media believe that BRICS has entered a new era of "large BRICS cooperation", playing an important role in the unity and cooperation of the global South and improving global governance.

Regarding this, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jia Kun said on January 7 that China warmly welcomed the new members joining the BRICS family. The BRICS cooperation mechanism was born in the historical tide of the rise of emerging market countries and developing countries, in line with the international community's expectations for maintaining world peace, promoting common development, and improving global governance.

Over nearly 20 years, the population of BRICS countries has accounted for almost half of the world's population, and their economic output accounts for more than 30%, contributing over 50% to world economic growth. The representativeness, appeal, and influence of the BRICS cooperation mechanism continue to increase, and it has become an important platform for promoting the unity and cooperation of the global South and an important force in driving the transformation of the global governance system. China is willing to work with BRICS countries to uphold the spirit of open inclusiveness and win-win cooperation, promote high-quality development of the "large BRICS cooperation", advocate for a multi-polar world order that is equal and orderly, and an economic globalization that is inclusive and inclusive, and promote the building of a community with a shared future for mankind.

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