The BRICS countries now account for about 30 percent of the global GDP, nearly half the global population, and one-fifth of global trade after the group’s expansion from five members to 10 in January. The enlargement of BRICS is “a major milestone” in its history and “a landmark event” in the evolution of the international situation, said Chinese President Xi …

Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in Russia’s Kazan on Tuesday for the 16th BRICS Summit. Russian officials greeted Xi at the airport. Guards of honor lined up on both sides of a red carpet to salute the Chinese leader, and Russian youths dressed in national costumes welcomed him with traditional courtesy. A Russian fighter jet was seen escorting Xi’s plane.