STRONG GROWTH international trade co-operation

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Multipolarity is here to stay

For a correct understanding of the current situation, it is very important to avoid drawing bold parallels between the BRICS and their opposition to the Western alliance, with the old bipolarism that placed the United States and its Western allies in confrontation with the Soviet camp

In recent years it was said, with increasing frequency, that a process of growing multiplication of new centers of international power was underway, and destined to crystallize into an international chessboard much more complex and balanced than in the past.

But it was insisted, it was a process in progress and bristling with obstacles because the US empire had mobilized its enormous economic, financial, military and geopolitical resources to abort this process. For this reason, no one could predict how long this global geopolitical transition would last, but it was assumed that it would take years.

Yet, after the end of the BRICS summit in Johannesburg on August 24, the question was resolved, and today we can say that this date marks the birth of a new era in the history of the international system. In other words, the geopolitical transition has passed a decisive milestone, a point of no return, and the era of American unipolarism and its worldwide dictatorship has come to an end.

It is no longer an ongoing process advancing Pari-passu with the slow but inevitable decline of the global power of the United States; the rapid ripening of trends that had accelerated considerably in recent years to consolidate this new architecture of international power that is here to stay. The COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent laborious readjustments of the capitalist economy:

Its exacerbated tendencies towards an increasing concentration of wealth and income, its unbridled depredation of the commons with its catastrophic consequences on the climate, and its uncontrollable parasitic financialization, together with the traumatic consequences of the war in Ukraine were the factors that precipitated the sudden culmination of this transition.

Looking at the international scenario, Brazilian analyst José Luís Fiori asserts that with the incorporation of six new countries to the BRICS “a true 'systemic explosion' in the international order" built by the West over the last three centuries took place.

Not very different is the opinion of one of America's leading economists, Jeffrey Sachs, when he declared in a Swiss weekly magazine that "(W)e are now in a post-American, post-Western world. We are in a truly multipolar world. We are in a world where the BRICS countries are bigger than the G7 countries ... and the US does not accept that transition."

We would add that this is not only a post-American world but also, and even more importantly, a "post-hegemonic" world, since no international actor has the will - and the capacity - to replace the United States in its role as the "lonely superpower" of capitalism, or the "lone sheriff", as the late Professor Samuel P. Huntington used to call it. In other words: U.S. unipolarism is now a ghost of the past, unsuccessfully struggling to regain the lost materiality of past times.

The international scene now shows a very different picture from the one that prevailed a decade ago. The consolidation of the BRICS was largely facilitated by the renewed activism played by the Brazilian President Luiz Inacio "Lula" de Silva putting an end to six years of discrete withdrawal from BRICS promoted by the presidencies of Michel Temer and Jair Bolsonaro, when the South American giant subordinated its international policy to the priorities dictated by the White House.

With the return of Lula, the momentum originating first and foremost in Beijing gave new impetus to the organization, endowing with an invaluable Western leg to what otherwise seemed to be only a three-legged Asian table supported, in part, by the weak anchor that South Africa could offer.

Thanks to Brazil's vigorous activism, the BRICS not only consolidated themselves as a commercial and financial bloc, but were also able to undertake a significant enlargement that dwarfs the G7's weight in the world economy.

It would not be the first time in history that a trade and financial agreement becomes a political-military bloc, especially if it is subjected to continuous threats and aggressions by its contenders, as exemplified by the policy of “unilateral sanctions” that Washington and its pawns impose on China and Russia.

That said, it should be made clear that the rupture of neo-liberal globalization and the crystallization of two distinct economic and geopolitical spaces is only in its early stages, and that the definitive disappearance of all the features that constituted American unipolarism will take some years.

As noted by José Luis Fiori, the consequences of this mutation in the international chessboard will not be "immediate but will manifest themselves in successive and increasingly stronger waves" as the Atlantic alliance continues to weaken over time.

Fiori also adds that this space of coordination will neither lead to the creation of a "military organization like NATO nor an economic and institutional creature like the European Union." However, the war in Ukraine and the growing bellicosity of Washington and its European and Asian allies -mainly Japan and South Korea- against Russia has changed the organization's attitude towards the prevailing economic and financial institutions of the "rules-based world order" imposed by the United States and, we would add, also in front of those of the United Nations system that expressed the balance of power existing at the end of World War II and which have little or nothing to do with today's world.

If in the past this set of institutions was accepted, not without complaints, by the BRICS members, everything now seems to indicate that the current mood is to propose ever more forcefully the change of this biased institutional superstructure of international capitalism. And now the challenging powers have the economic and technological strength to try to do it with a good chance of success. But, even so, it would be premature to speak of "a new world order."

The most accurate description of this new reality would be to say that we are in the presence of a competing duality of world orders, with different territorial scopes: one, the declining American order in retreat, and another, with its epicenter in Asia, which has just burst in with force but which, for the time being, is far from imposing itself on a planetary scale.

One last consideration: For a correct understanding of the current situation, it is very important to avoid drawing bold parallels between the BRICS and their opposition to the Western alliance, with the old bipolarism that placed the United States and its Western allies in confrontation with the Soviet camp.

One of the distinctive features of the current situation is that the challengers of US hegemony maintain strong ties of economic interdependence with the United States and European countries, something that did not exist at all during the Cold War years.

Trade between the United States and China, for example, stood at around $700 billion in 2022, something unimaginable in the years of Soviet-US bipolarism. Beyond frequent rhetorical overtones, this commercial relationship conditions, at least in part, the attitudes and concrete policies of both countries, and by extension of both blocs. Yet, a trade war can trigger a conventional war, and the continued threats by the United States and NATO countries against China are a worrying proof of this.

If rationality prevails, commercial interdependence could promote negotiations to establish a safer international environment. This would largely depend upon the rationality of the main governmental actors. The weight of the military-industrial complex in the United States (and throughout the West) forces us to be pessimistic about it. The way the Ukrainian crisis is resolved will give us a key to predict what the more likely outcome could be. In any case, and beyond these eventualities:

Welcome to multipolarity!

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Cooperation against Western pressure

Russia and the Democratic People's Republic of Russia underline their keenness for mutual cooperation as they vow to bolster their partnership against the West

Russia and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) are set to forge a resilient partnership impervious to Western pressure, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on Wednesday.

This follows a high-level meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and DPRK leader Kim Jong Un in Russia's Far East. The two leaders are meeting at the Vostochny Cosmodrome, a Russian spaceport some 1,000 kilometers from Vladivostok.

During a televised interview with Russia-1 channel, Lavrov emphasized the commitment of both nations to establishing a mutually beneficial cooperation shielded from unlawful Western influence.

"We and North Korea will develop, as confirmed by our leaders today, a mutually beneficial cooperation not susceptible to illegal Western pressure," Lavrov stated.

Kim's official visit to Russia, at the invitation of President Putin, was marked by a high-level delegation and a comprehensive meeting at the Vostochny Cosmodrome in the Amur Region.

The negotiations, lasting approximately six hours, included a four-hour discussion between the two leaders. This visit marks Kim Jong Un's second trip to Russia, with his previous visit taking place in 2019.

"Our meeting is taking place at a very special time, after all. Most recently, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea celebrated 75 years of its creation and foundation. 75 years of establishment of diplomatic relations between our countries. Let me remind you that it was our country that was the first to recognize the sovereign independent state – the Democratic People's Republic of Korea," Putin said at the start of the meeting.

"Then very soon we will celebrate the 70th anniversary of the end of the War of Independence and the victory of the Korean people in this war. This is a landmark date because our country also helped our friends in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea to fight for this independence."

Accompanying Kim Jong Un on this diplomatic mission was his sister, Kim Yo Jong. She made a notable appearance at the gala dinner hosted by President Putin in honor of her brother. However, it was reported that she did not actively participate in the formal talks.

Kim Yo Jong's name was conspicuously absent from the list of participants in Wednesday's discussions despite her presence when the DPRK leader visited the test building and signed the guest book at the Vostochny Cosmodrome.

Military cooperation and more

Putin said the location was chosen as Moscow plans to help DPRK with its satellite programs, RIA Novosti reported.

"The leader of the DPRK shows great interest in rocket technology, and they are trying to develop (their presence in) space," Putin said.

When asked by reporters whether military cooperation would be on the agenda, Putin's answer was, "We'll talk about all the issues, without haste. There is time."

With his accompanying delegation that suggested a strong military focus for the summit, the DPRK leader traveled overland to Russia in his bullet-proof train, the official Korean Central News Agency reported.

During the discussions, Kim Jong Un expressed keen interest in exploring various areas of cooperation with Russia.

"Our friendship has deep roots, and now relations with the Russian Federation are the first priority for our country. I am sure that our meeting will be the next step to take relations to a new level," Kim stressed.

Meanwhile, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov elaborated on the topics covered during the meeting, revealing that President Putin highlighted Russia's extensive transport capabilities.

"He [Kim Jong Un] was really interested in all areas of cooperation. Our president has already told his North Korean counterpart about the opportunities we have," Peskov revealed.

"Putin spoke about our transport capabilities and [Transport] Minister [Vitaly Savelyev] shared more information. This includes our airport network, how many ports we have, and how our transport system and aviation generally work," he added.

In addition to transport, Kim Jong Un also displayed a keen interest in forging partnerships in health, education, and other humanitarian fields, underscoring the multifaceted nature of the discussions.

DPRK cosmonauts in space?

A notable aspect of the meeting was the discussion regarding the possibility of sending a DPRK cosmonaut into space. Dmitry Peskov confirmed this, stating, "We talked about the fact that if the DPRK side wishes, a DPRK cosmonaut can be trained to be sent into space."

Putin and Kim inspected the launch facility of the Soyuz-2 space rocket complex at the spaceport, a Sputnik correspondent reported.

The two leaders have also inspected the process of construction of the launch facility of the Angara space rocket complex, which started in 2019.

When questioned about the possibility of President Putin reciprocating the visit with a return trip to the DPRK, Peskov clarified that no such plans are currently in place. He emphasized the importance of developing neighborly relations that align with Russia's interests.

As the DPRK and Russia strengthen their diplomatic ties, their commitment to bolstering cooperation across various sectors underscores their resilience in the face of Western pressure and their determination to chart their own course on the international stage.

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China Backs Venezuela

On Wednesday, Chinese President Xi Jinping held talks with Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro at the Great Hall of the People, where they announced the elevation of the China-Venezuela relationship to an “All-Weather Strategic Partnership.”

“China and Venezuela are good friends who trust each other and good partners for common development, hailing the ironclad friendship forged amid the ever-changing international landscape,” Xi said.

"China has always viewed its relations with Venezuela from a strategic and long-term perspective, and firmly supports Venezuela's efforts to safeguard national sovereignty, national dignity and social stability, as well as Venezuela's just cause of opposing external interference," he added.

"The establishment of an all-weather strategic partnership between China and Venezuela meets the common expectations of the two peoples and conforms to the general trend of historical development," Xi pointed out.

Sun Yanfeng, deputy director of the Institute of Latin American Studies, noted that Venezuela is the first Latin American country that China established an all-weather strategic partnership with.

"The upgraded relationship means increased political trust, strategic need of each other, and high-level cooperation between the two sides. It also means they will surely expand cooperation in multilateral frameworks and, therefore, contribute to building a fair and just international order," he said.

A week ago, President Maduro started his visit in Shenzhen, a reform pioneer where one of China's first Special Economic Zones (SEZ) was established in 1980. There, he experienced firsthand the achievements of the Chinese macroeconomic reform.

Xi said his country stands ready to work with Venezuela to firmly support each other in exploring a development path suited to their national conditions and strengthen Party and national governance exchanges. He said China supports Venezuela in setting up special economic zones and will share relevant experience to help its national development.

If Venezuela can establish Venezuelan-style special zones to attract capital, technology, and management expertise, it will greatly promote Venezuela's development, as Venezuela's economy has been under pressure due to domestic political factors, U.S. sanctions, and COVID-19, said Song Junying, the director of the Department for Latin American and Caribbean Studies at the China Institute of International Studies.

Next year will mark the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties between China and Venezuela. China is ready to strengthen people-to-people exchanges with Venezuela, support the development of Chinese language teaching Confucius institutes in Venezuela, and strengthen media exchanges, Xi said, calling on two sides to implement the outcomes of the 17th meeting of the Mixed Venezuela-China High-Level Committee and strengthen practical cooperation in various fields in the next stage.

Xi said China is willing to import more high-quality Venezuelan products and congratulated Venezuela on becoming the first country in the Americas to join the China-initiated cooperation on the International Lunar Research Station.

The two sides should work closely in multilateral mechanisms, including the United Nations, The Group of 77 (G77) and China, strengthen solidarity and cooperation with other developing countries, and jointly safeguard the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and the common interests of developing countries, the Chinese president said.

Noting China attaches great importance to the development of China-Latin America relations and next year will mark the 10th anniversary of the China-CELAC Forum, Xi said China is ready to work with Venezuela and other countries in the region to promote China-Latin America cooperation and build a community with a shared future.

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Peace and Security Forum

The third China-Africa Peace and Security Forum at the Ministry of National Defense in Beijing is yet another step towards realizing Africa’s goal of attaining long-term peace, stability, development and prosperity

The 2023 forum brought together leaders of respective defense departments in African states, military chiefs from nearly 50 countries, heads of peace and security affairs of the African Union and military attaches of African states to China. The forum came at an opportune time, given that both sides have maintained solid bilateral and multilateral underpinnings. This further consolidates amicable ties and builds upon joint understandings for a shared future.

The theme of the 2023 forum was ‘Implementing the Global Security Initiative, Strengthening China-Africa Solidarity and Cooperation’. The aim is to enhance strategic communication between China and African states which is critical for the dissection of issues, implementation of robust security mechanisms, and developing a greater understanding of the multifaceted security challenges that Africa faces today. Since the end of the colonial era,

Africa continues to be plagued by the legacy of colonialism which was characterized by subjugation, erosion of human rights, and exploitation of its resources at the expense of the African public. These harsh realities have stifled its development potential despite the presence of enormous natural resources. In the 21st century, each of the continent’s sovereign states have been subject to neo-colonialism or domination by more powerful Western nations who through the development of international capitalism and intervention prevented it from prospering. This status quo should not continue.

Given that Africa continues to confront difficult security quagmires in 2023 it is important for robust security mechanisms to take hold and be implemented. In this regard, China’s Global Security Initiative takes a more pragmatic, prudent and visionary approach towards dealing with global conflicts. Based on its concepts and principles, the GSI advocates a concept of ‘common security’ instead of imposition and holds the territorial integrity of sovereign states as supreme and inviolable.

It also expresses an unwavering commitment to the principles of the UN Charter and rejects Cold War mentalities, hegemonic designs, bloc confrontations, intervention and unilateralism. Respecting international law, the rights of states, resolving disputes amicably in the absence of military solutions while treating each state’s security concerns seriously is the hallmark of the GSI. Additionally, addressing challenges such as terrorism, cybersecurity and climate change which continue to plague African states is also a central component of the initiative with each of the six commitments being mutually reinforcing.

In Africa’s case, the central tenets of the GSI provide a roadmap to deal with security challenges. According to ECOWAS, West Africa witnessed more than 1,800 attacks in the first six months of 2023 while violent extremism in the Sahel region also witnessed a surge due to weak governance, fragility and the inability of states to establish their writ on their respective territories.

Terrorist organizations such as Boko Haram, domestic unrest in countries such as Niger and territorial disputes between states have all plagued Africa’s progress towards modernization. As a result, strong, apolitical and meaningful cooperation is needed. As pointed out by President Xi Jinping in his address titled ‘Joining Hands to Advance Modernization and Create a Great Future for China and Africa’ at the China- Africa Leaders Dialogue in Johannesburg,

China stands ready to work with the continent to advance a new vision of common, cooperative and sustainable security while also seeking to facilitate political settlements of regional hotspot issues. It is hence, clear that strategic communication in the absence of interventionism is precisely what Africa needs to navigate through challenging security landscapes, existential threats to political stability, and impediments to growth, investments, and prosperity.

To Africa’s benefit, an integral aspect of cooperation priorities under the GSI is to support United Nations efforts at enhancing conflict prevention and harnessing peace-building structures. This includes the provision of peacekeeping operations with adequate resources while also strengthening the African Union, both as a continental union and a deliberative body, through sufficient, predictable, and sustainable financial assistance. This clearly demonstrates the seriousness with which African conflicts are prioritized given that more than 80% of China’s military peacekeepers and 75% of its contributions to the peacekeeping assessment are deployed on the continent.

Ten peace and security projects will also deliver military assistance to the AU and conduct joint exercises and on-site training between Chinese and African peacekeeping troops. This breadth of military ties has been lauded by countries such as Zimbabwe where President Mnangagwa stated that ties between the two countries and the militaries are fraternal. Acting Defense Minister, Daniel Garwe also stated that Zimbabwe vows to continue to cement ties with China as both sides faced geopolitical threats.

Zimbabwe is not in a club of one in Africa. Most states on the continent prioritize apolitical engagements with states. The smooth progression of the continent rests solely on the stability of countries where unique political systems must remain intact. Any attempt to upset the status quo in states ranging from the thriving democracy of South Africa to the totalitarian government in Niger would have dangerous implications for the wider region. The spike in terrorism, nefarious elements threatening peace and stability, and a breakdown in social systems can follow attempts to tinker with Africa.

The previous forum held online in 2022 however, resulted in affirmations that China has provided security products for peace and stability and played a positive role in improving security governance on the continent. In 2023, greater understandings have been reached which bodes well for world peace.

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De-dollarization happening fast

Michael Goddard, the president of Netley Group, told Sputnik that the process of de-dollarization is happening at a steady rate within the BRICS group and in the global economy, although more work needs to be done to accelerate the process

"It will be amazing if BRICS can come up with some gold-backed trading currency," Goddard indicated, highlighting that "de-dollarization is happening fast. Over the last 20 years, you see the share of global payments in the dollar has gone down at a steady rate. This is getting even faster now."

At the same time, to "truly de-dollarize", several aspects should be taken into account, the president of the company registered in Russia to attract investments and start businesses pointed out.

"For example, if BRICS can get together and somewhat back the currency maybe with gold reserves of Russia, China, India, whoever, you could come up with a trade currency, sort of the currency that you have in your pocket to spend, but this will be an electronic currency for trade," Goddard explained.

"Then you can very quickly get a significant share of global trade done in that currency."

"The harder part", according to Netley Group President, lies in the reserve aspect of the currency. For instance, the United States' big advantage at the moment is the breadth of its bond market, he said.

"One of the ways, I think, BRICS could develop something to compete with that would be the technology to actually link the BRICS bond markets," the entrepreneur suggested.

"So, if you could create a somewhat gold-backed BRICS currency and, at the same time, link the bond markets of all of the BRICS countries and other friendly countries to BRICS via technology, you can then create a global bond market of incredible depth," he added.

Goddard stated that combining a stable trade currency and a strong joint bond market could create the potential to eventually replace the dollar.

He further said this process could be even sped up with the enlargement of BRICS and increasing the depth of these economic ties.

It is noteworthy that at the last BRICS summit in South Africa, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa said the BRICS leadership has decided to invite Argentina, Egypt, Iran, Ethiopia, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia to join the group.

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A World That Works

During the G77+China Summit held in Havana on Friday, United Nations Secretary Antonio Guterres called on the South to raise "voices in the fight for a world that works for everyone" since global governance systems are failing developing countries

"Now they find themselves entangled in a web of global crises. Poverty is on the rise, and hunger is increasing. Prices are soaring, debt is excessive, and climate disasters are becoming more frequent. Global systems and frameworks have let them down. The conclusion is clear: the world is failing developing countries," he said.

"To change this situation, we need national-level measures to ensure good governance, mobilize resources, and prioritize sustainable development. And we need global-level measures that respect national sovereignty, with the aim of building an international system that upholds human rights and serves the common interest."

Guterres also acknowledged that many global institutions reflect "a bygone era" and highlighted the need to update the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), the International Monetary Fund (IMF), and the World Bank (WB).

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro's text reads, "Entering the plenary session of the historic G77+China Summit, I had a warm meeting with Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas, to whom I reiterated our friendship and unwavering support for the Palestinian people's cause."

In the economic arena, he called for financial justice and urgent measures because "many countries are unable to cope with debt servicing" due to the effects of the pandemic, global inflation, and "the impact of extreme weather events."

It is necessary to establish an effective debt relief mechanism quickly because the changes currently proposed are progressing but too slowly.

"Reforms of the international financial system are gaining ground, but they will take time. We need to act immediately," Guterres stressed.

He pointed out that science, technology, and innovation can foster solidarity and address common problems, but often exacerbate inequalities and reinforce divisions.

"Only global action can address these inequalities, ensure a fair transition to a digital economy, and ensure that in a new technological era, no one is left behind," the UN Secretary said, urging the G77+China to play a "leading role" in various multilateral forums.

"I count on this Group, which has long been a champion of multilateralism, to step forward, use its power, and advocate for a system based on equality, a system ready to end centuries of injustice and neglect, and a system that benefits all humankind," he concluded.

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The South Needs Support

On Friday, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro asked for greater support from China and India so that the Global South can develop technology for health, agriculture, and space exploration

In his speech during the G77 + China summit in Havana, the Bolivarian leader called on the new emerging powers to become the spearhead of tactical cooperation of greater impact.

Maduro also emphasized the need to implement policies so that developing countries can have greater participation in social networks since the Internet currently does not have any type of control.

The Venezuelan president asked that the United Nations implement a global initiative to immediately stop all unilateral coercive measures that the United States and its allies use to harass dozens of developing countries, including Venezuela and Cuba.

Taking stock of contemporary geopolitical transformations, Maduro highlighted that the necessary political and historical conditions are coming together so that the countries of the South can be truly sovereign and independent in the 21st century.

"What could be better than G77+China meeting at the epicenter of the resistance of the Latin America peoples. Havana is the capital of the Global South,” he said, highlighting that this will be the century of peoples free from empires and colonialisms.

“The countries from the South will seek their own political and economic development models. They will not accept impositions from any power with pretensions of domination,” he said.

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Rules of the Game must change

On Friday, Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel called to address the needs of the countries of the South by democratizing international governance institutions

During the opening speech of the G77+China Summit being held in Havana, he recalled the importance of this group of 134 countries in a context of global "multidimensional crisis."

Diaz-Canel stressed the need to "change the rules of the game" in favor of developing countries, which are the main victims of international finance, unequal exchange, the scientific gap and the climate crisis.

The president stressed that the current international order is unjust and unsustainable. Therefore, without addressing these issues it will not be possible to achieve the sustainable development to which the G77 countries and China are entitled.

The text reads, "With great pleasure, I received the UN Secretary Antonio Guterres, whom I thanked for his presence at the Havana G77 Summit. We reiterate Cuba's support for the promotion and respect of multilateralism as well as for the UN Charter's principles and purposes."

"This summit occurs at a time when humanity has reached unimaginable scientific-technical potential. This has an extraordinary capacity to generate wealth and well-being that, under conditions of greater equality, equity and justice, could ensure decent, comfortable and sustainable living standards for almost all the inhabitants of the planet," he said.

"It is necessary to remove the international barriers that have hindered access to knowledge by developing countries and their use of such determining factors for economic and social progress," Diaz-Canel added.

Currently the G77+China, which is the largest intergovernmental organization of developing countries, brings together nations from Latin America and the Caribbean, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. In this group, however, Mexico and Russia do not participate.

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G77 rejects measures against South

The coalition confirms in its statement the need to reform the multi-lateral financial framework

The preliminary statement from the G77+China Summit reaffirmed the group's dedication to strengthening unity and solidarity in pursuit of the members' shared goals.

Highlighting the current challenges faced by countries in the Global South, particularly the unjust international economic system, the statement underscored the pressing need for a comprehensive reform of the multi-lateral financial framework and the adoption of a more inclusive and coordinated approach.

Furthermore, the draft statement firmly opposed the imposition of unilateral coercive measures and sanctions, emphasizing that they are in violation of the principles of the United Nations Charter and international law.

The statement also placed a strong emphasis on fostering increased collaboration between the Global North and South.

Lastly, member and participant nations acknowledged in the statement the transformative potential of science, technology, and innovation in advancing societies.

Founded back in 1964, the G77 quickly became a focal point for the world's economic landscape. The bloc later emerged as an international platform uniting developing nations and enabling them to voice their concerns, advocate their interests, coordinate their stances, and negotiate with developed nations.

This year's event, however, is not like the ones held previously. At the heart of the 2023 summit is China; the main driver today toward a multipolar world and a primary leading power of the Global South.

The G77+China Summit held in Cuba's Havana is considered a milestone event that is expected to have global geopolitical implications not only for its host country but also for China specifically, as well as the broader Global South.

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Need to Change Current Int'l Order

The president of Cuba, Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez, in his speech on Tuesday during the 78th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York City, stressed the urgency of "a new and fairer global contract."

Díaz-Canel spoke on behalf of the G77 group and China, of which Cuba holds the Pro-Tempore presidency this year. He demanded a profound transformation of the current international financial architecture and an end to unilateral coercive measures.

The president referred to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the 2030 Agenda. In this regard, he said that "only seven years away from the deadline set for the fulfillment of the hopeful 2030 Agenda, the outlook is discouraging. This august institution has already acknowledged it: at the current pace, none of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals will be achieved, and more than half of the 169 agreed goals will be missed."

He referred to the results of the recently held Summit of Heads of State and Government of the G77 and China in Havana and the need for change that unite the nations of the South. "For two days, practically without rest, more than 100 representatives of the 134 nations that make up the Group raised their voices to demand changes that can no longer be postponed in the unjust, irrational and abusive international economic order, which has deepened, year after year, the enormous inequalities between a minority of highly developed nations, and a majority that cannot overcome the euphemism of "developing nations," the president said.

Díaz-Canel also denounced that the current international financial architecture "was designed to profit from the reserves of the South, perpetuate a system of domination that increases underdevelopment and reproduce a model of modern colonialism."

The Cuban president warned that "in the 21st century, it offends the human condition that almost 800 million people suffer from hunger on a planet that produces enough to feed everyone; or that in the era of knowledge and the accelerated development of information and communications technologies, more than 760 million people, two thirds of them women, do not know how to read or write."

Likewise, he stressed that the efforts of developing countries "must be backed by concrete actions for access to markets, financing under fair and preferential conditions, technology transfer and North-South cooperation.

He demanded a recapitalization of the Multilateral Development Banks and the necessary rationalization, review and change in the role of credit rating agencies. "While the richest countries fail to fulfill their commitment to allocate at least 0.7% of their Gross National Product to Official Development Assistance, the nations of the South have to spend up to 14% of their income to pay interest on foreign debt," the president noted.

The tweet reads, "In a meeting with Dennis Francis, president of UNGA78, we confirmed Cuba's commitment to multilateralism and the UN Charter, as well as to the implementation of the SDG Agenda 2030. We also discussed results and proposals emanating from Cuba G77 Summit. Very pleasant dialogue."

Díaz-Canel proposed to redesign debt instruments once and for all and include activation clauses to provide relief and restructuring as soon as a country is affected by natural catastrophes or macroeconomic shocks.

In this regard, the Cuban president said that "those who have the least influence on the climate crisis are those who suffer the most from its effects, particularly the Small Island Developing States."

On the occasion, the president informed that the G-77 is calling for a Summit of Southern Leaders to be held on December 2 in the context of the COP28 in Dubai. He said it "will be a space to articulate our group's positions at the highest level in the context of the climate negotiations."

The Cuban president also condemned the imposition of unilateral punitive measures against sovereign states. He recalled that Cuba is the country that has endured for the longest time unilateral coercive measures with an economic, commercial and financial blockade imposed by the U.S. more than half a century ago.

He expressed his condemnation of unilateral punitive measures also imposed on nations such as Venezuela and Nicaragua, as well as Zimbabwe, Syria, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea and Iran, "among many others whose peoples suffer the negative impact of these."

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Need to Reform UN

At the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on Thursday, world leaders stressed the central role of the United Nations and the need to reform the organization to make it fit for purpose

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said the principles of the UN Charter have a bearing on the survival of human civilization.

"I want to raise the voice on behalf of my country, but also on behalf of those who today, 78 years after the establishment of the United Nations, truly and equally believe that the principles of the UN Charter are the only substantial defense of the world peace, right to freedom and independence of nations and countries," he said. "But more than that, they are the pledge of the mere survival of the human civilization."

A new global wave of wars and violence that are impacting the foundations of international security is a painful consequence whose cause lies in abandoning the principles envisaged in the UN Charter, he said.

When big powers bend the principles, when there is no morality in world politics, it is clear that humanity is about to enter an era of big divisions and big conflicts, he warned.

"And precisely in this difficult situation, the United Nations is the last substantial platform that brings us all together, regardless of all our differences and divisions. I believe that the commitment to peace and development, the desire to resolve disputes through dialogue, to find common ways to end human suffering, and to ensure a more prosperous and stable future is precisely what unites us," said Vucic.

"For the preservation of global peace so that we all do not disappear in a Darwinist conflict led by great powers, it is necessary to join our forces, just like 78 years ago, in a common fight for an international order based on the UN Charter," he said.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres stressed the importance of multilateral institutions that match a multipolar world, which is in the making.

"We are moving toward a multipolar world. Multipolarity is creating new opportunities for different countries to lead on the global stage. But history teaches that multipolarity without strong multilateral institutions creates serious risks. It could result in even greater geostrategic tensions, chaotic competition and further fragmentation," he told a preparatory ministerial meeting of the Summit of the Future

Multilateral institutions will only survive if they are truly universal. Next year's Summit of the Future is a unique opportunity to help rebuild trust and bring outdated multilateral institutions and frameworks into line with today's world, based on equity and solidarity, he said.

Guterres welcomed member states' agreement to adopt an inter-governmentally negotiated Pact for the Future at the Summit of the Future, reaffirming the UN Charter, reinvigorating multilateralism, boosting implementation of existing commitments, and agreeing on solutions to new challenges.

The challenges facing the world are universal. They require universal solutions and cannot be solved through small groupings of states or coalitions of the willing. The United Nations is the only forum where this can happen, he said.

Chinese Vice President Han Zheng, in his speech at the General Debate, called on countries to stay true to multilateralism and improve global governance. China is a staunch supporter of the international system with the United Nations at its core, he said.

The world body should make advances in all three pillars of security, development, and human rights in a balanced manner and see that all countries jointly safeguard universal security, share development achievements, and chart the course for the future of the world, Han said.

In his speech, Jakov Milatovic, president of Montenegro, reaffirmed his country's strong commitment to the goals and principles of the United Nations.

While the current challenges require wise leadership, world leaders often resort only to sharing joint concerns rather than uniting efforts. Thus, a full return to the binding provisions of the UN Charter is necessary, he said.

Umaro Sissoco Embalo, president of Guinea-Bissau, said the best response to the challenges that confront the international community includes strengthening multilateralism and international cooperation.

"In our view, multilateralism is an indispensable instrument and a moral imperative if we wish to build, together, a solidary world and well-being for all," he said.

There is a need to introduce the changes required in the international peace and security architecture and in the world financial system to enable them to respond to the current international scenario.

Security Council reform, which has long been deemed as necessary, must consider the position of the African Union in order to ensure a realistic and fairer representation, consistently with the increasingly preponderant role of Africa in building and maintaining balance in the world, he said.

Nepalese Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal said his country supports the reform of the UN Security Council to make it broadly representative, democratic, transparent and accountable. Nepal calls for the revitalization of the General Assembly and the Economic and Social Council with a greater role for these vital organs.

"We need an inclusive and effective multilateralism to better respond to and deliver on the needs of the people and the planet. Structural reform to the international financial architecture is long overdue. The voice of the countries in special situation, including the LDCs (least developed countries), LLDCs (landlocked developing countries) and SIDS (small-island developing states), must be heard. Their meaningful representation must be ensured. Only a more democratic, inclusive, fair and representative international financial architecture can be an antidote to the deep-rooted inequities and gaps," he said.

Albanian President Bajram Begaj said that the UNGA serves as a unique platform for global cooperation and hope for a better world, and that rebuilding trust and reigniting global solidarity is the only way the international community can face today's common and global challenges, which do not only affect present, but future generations.

Critical challenges show that universal reason is the only way out as no one can have lasting peace until everyone has it, he said

Gambian Vice President Mohammed Jallow said the current problems the world faces call into question the readiness and suitability of multilateral organizations to address them. The priorities of today urgently warrant collective attention and action, he said.

Jallow called for reform of the multilateral system, adding that a renewed faith in both the UN Charter and inclusive multilateralism is the pathway toward attaining this. He also called for better cooperation and greater partnerships to provide solutions to global problems.

https://www.telesurenglish.net/news/Wor ... -0001.html

[Anthea]

Inclusive Growth Worldwide

Chinese Vice President Han Zheng pledged to continue to push forward the Global Development Initiative and the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development at the 78th session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA) held in New York City

Han reaffirmed China's commitment to boosting sustainable and inclusive growth through deeper global cooperation during his participation in the UNGA General Debate and related events, including the UN Summit on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the high-level meeting on Cooperation Results in the Global Development Initiative hosted by China.

During a speech at the SDG Summit, Han said China seeks to combine the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development with its national medium- and long-term development strategies, and always integrates its own development with global prosperity and stability.

China, he said, will actively assist countries in the Global South with concrete actions and continue to work with all parties to make positive contributions to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals on time and build a global development community.

In this regard, Han outlined a four-point proposal to address global problems. The proposal includes upholding equity and justice and maintaining peace and security; pursuing mutual benefit, generating win-win outcomes and achieving development for all; maintaining openness and inclusiveness and promoting human civilization; as well as being loyal to multilateralism and improving global governance.

One convergence of development strategies lies in green development. Over the years, China has led by example by setting clear carbon emission reduction targets and prioritizing green development in its development plans, and has spearheaded global efforts for a shared low-carbon future.
Meeting with U.S. Special Presidential Climate Envoy

During a meeting with U.S. Special Presidential Climate Envoy John Kerry on the sidelines of the UNGA, Han affirmed that China will maintain its unwavering commitment to work toward the twin goals of achieving peak carbon emissions and carbon neutrality.

China has always been a staunch practitioner in the fight against climate change and will fully implement the goals of the Paris Agreement, he said, adding that maintaining China-US dialogue and cooperation on climate change is of great importance to both countries and the whole world.

In addition to contributing to global growth with its own development momentum and wisdom, China, as always, actively puts forward new visions and proposals together with other countries for a better and sustainable shared future.

Global Development Initiative cooperation

As another highlight of this week's UN events, China on Tuesday hosted a high-level meeting on the Global Development Initiative Cooperation Results to review the dividends of past cooperation and reach consensus for further engagement with the Global Development Initiative.

China is willing to work with all parties to push for solid and steady progress of the GDI, Han said. The Chinese side also hopes to make joint efforts with all parties to gather solid forces for the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and build a global development community, he said, noting that both the aspiration of the GDI and the goal of the UN is that no country or person should be left behind on the path of development.

Exactly two years ago, on September 21, 2021, Chinese President Xi Jinping raised this idea of development in the general debate of the 76th session of the UNGA, which then became a global public good.

Through the Global Development Initiative, China joins other countries around the world in leading a new model of international development cooperation, and calls for revitalizing economic recovery through technological innovation, enhancing a fair and equitable global governance system, and taking collective action to build a global development community with a shared future.

In the past two years, Han noted, the countries that have endorsed the Global Development Initiative, through concerted efforts, "cast the Yes vote" for development, expanded the "circle of friends" for cooperation, enriched the "resource pool" for development, and built the "toolkit" for joint development.

In particular, more than 70 countries have joined the Group of Friends of the GDI, and nearly 200 cooperation projects have been included in the GDI project pool. China has also established a special $10 billion fund to implement the GDI.

Two years later, the Global Development Initiative continues to gain momentum. It is now more than a development idea proposed by China; it is already a common ideal of solidarity that is gaining increasing attention, support and wisdom.

China part of family of developing countries

China remains committed to opening up more to the world, remains committed to an independent foreign policy, remains committed to safeguarding its sovereignty and territorial integrity, and will always be a member of the big family of developing countries said the Chinese vice president.

"We breathe the same air as developing countries and share the same future. We will be firm in defending the legitimate interests of developing countries. We support and respect their efforts to independently determine development paths, always considering national conditions," Han stressed.

Han Zheng urged to continue to promote human civilization, because in its diversity lies the fundamental asset of development, for the sake of nations prospering on a respectful basis and pursuing collective gain.

"Human rights must be promoted and protected. This is something that all countries are calling for and it is about ensuring a good life for all. We can only develop human rights if we adjust to national needs. We must advance the international cause of human rights," he insisted.

In this regard, he called for the defense of multilateralism to improve global governance, and called on the United Nations to advance in the areas of security, development and human rights in a balanced manner, so that all nations safeguard universal security.

The vice president noted that the international security situation is worrisome because of development gaps, the occurrence of natural disasters and the increase in weather patterns.

"We have to address the concerns of all countries, and resolve differences and disputes peacefully, through dialogue and consultation. Dialogue is an important way to achieve international cooperation in the field of security and parties in conflict or confrontation cannot forget it," he stressed.

China and the international situation

The Chinese Vice President said his country supports efforts leading to a peaceful resolution of the crisis in Ukraine, while being ready to play a constructive role in achieving peace.

Han stressed that "China supports the Cuban people in their just struggle to defend their sovereignty and opposes the blockade and external interference. We appreciate Cuba's efforts to combat terrorism."

On tensions in the Middle East, Han stressed that Beijing "will continue to support the Palestinian people in the pursuit of the just cause of regaining their national rights." He likewise stressed that China "respects the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries."

"China opposes power politics, unilateralism and the Cold War mentality. A small number of countries have arbitrarily imposed illegal and unilateral sanctions, undermining the harmony of stability and international relations," the Chinese vice president commented, stressing that the international community should "resist" such acts.

As for the proliferation of nuclear weapons, Beijing stressed that such weapons "cannot and should not be used". "China is the only country among the five permanent members of the Security Council that has pledged not to resort to nuclear weapons," Han said.

https://www.telesurenglish.net/news/Chi ... -0023.html

[Anthea]

As anti-French sentiment grows

After Mali, CAR, Burkina Faso, and Niger, will French troops be kicked out from yet another African country it had formerly colonized?

After Mali, Burkina Faso, and the Central African Republic, France is being forced to withdraw troops from yet another former African colony: Niger.

Faced with growing anti-French sentiment since a military takeover in Niger in July, French President Emmanuel Macron has announced plans to withdraw 1,500 troops, along with France's ambassador to Niamey.

The Republic of #Niger, led by General Abdourahamane Tchiani and supported by its people, declared the immediate suspension of uranium and gold exports to #France on Sunday. pic.twitter.com/7F6sNJRJS2
— Al Mayadeen English (@MayadeenEnglish) August 1, 2023

In August, the new Nigerien government issued an ultimatum for the French ambassador to depart within 48 hours.

In a statement, Niger's Minister of Foreign Affairs revealed that the decision to expel French Ambassador Sylvain Itte was prompted by a series of perceived provocations by the French government.

Notably, the refusal of the French ambassador to engage in a scheduled meeting with the minister and other actions that were deemed contrary to Niger's interests led to this drastic diplomatic measure.

The strained relationship traces back to suspicions that Paris has covert plans to intervene militarily in Niger to reinstate the ousted President Bazoum.

The pullout will be the fourth in under two years by the French, who still have bases in a handful of African countries.

France pulled out of Mali in 2022 after a bitter row with the country's military leadership. Relations soured following back-to-back coups in 2020 and 2021 and growing hostility toward France from the Malian public, which accused French troops of failing to stop terrorists from pushing into the center of the country.

Some 1,600 French troops were deployed in recent years in the Central African Republic (CAF), under the pretext of helping keep the "peace" after a fierce bout of inter-communal bloodshed in 2013. But there too, French troops were forced to leave. The last troops from France's Operation Sangaris left in December 2022.

Paris accused the CAF of embarking on an anti-French campaign allegedly steered by Moscow.

In January 2023, the junta that had come to power in a coup in Burkina Faso in September 2022 -- the second coup in nine months -- gave the 400 French special forces stationed there a month to leave the country after Paris was accused by the West African country that it had failed its "anti-terrorism" mission.

Most recently, the leaders of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger signed a charter establishing an Alliance of Sahel States (AES) - the Liptako-Gourma Charter - to build a collective defense architecture and mutual collaboration aimed at benefiting the nations' peoples.

The charter signed on Saturday binds the signatories to assist one another -- including militarily -- in the event of an attack on any one of them.

It also binds the three countries to work to prevent or settle armed rebellions.

https://english.almayadeen.net/news/pol ... of-4-afric

[Papillon2017]

We are going to be expelled from Africa and it is fair : French policy, especially under Macron's presidency was arrogant and stupid.

I am not sure that China and Russians will be better for Africans but it is not our problem anymore.

OUR problem is that French army tried to contain Jihad in Sahel area. If it leaves, and if some states fall under Daesh or Boko Haram, or any kind of Jihadi movement's rule, Europe will be threatened by another rush of refugees and new waves of Jihadist attackers.