By Zhang Maorong,Researcher of the International Economics Department, China Institute of Contemporary International Relations; cartoon drawing by Liao Tingting

"The past decade has witnessed BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) countries making headway to pursue common development," Chinese President Xi Jinping said in a keynote address at the opening ceremony of the BRICS Business Forum in Xiamen, China's southeastern coastal city September 3, 2017.

2017 stands as a historic crucial point with the first year of the second decade for the BRICS cooperation mechanism. Xi reviewed the progress BRICS have made in its journey of the past, and looks to the future with pragmatic "proposals of China," covering stronger BRICS cooperation, upholding world peace, improving global economic governance to build a comprehensive partnership, while taking into consideration on development of the whole world.

"It's time to set sail when the tide rises," Xi said. His speech has charted a new course and opened a vista for BRICS. By injecting strong "impetus of China" to advance BRICS cooperation, China will steer the "ship" along with other four member countries into a brighter future even though difficulties and hidden instability lay ahead.

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