China welcomes more like-minded nations to take part in the BRICS cooperation, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesman Lin Jian said on Monday.
Malaysia has sent a letter of application to join the BRICS organization to Russia, the BRICS rotating chair, expressing openness to participate as a member country or a strategic partner, the country's Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said on Sunday.
To comment on Malaysia's application, Lin said at a press conference in Beijing that China is happy to see more like-minded countries to join in BRICS cooperation.
"The growth of the BRICS mechanism conforms to the trend of the times and is in the interests of all countries. It has injected strong impetus to a multi-polar world and democracy in international relations. Because of this, more and more emerging markets and developing countries, including Malaysia, pay attention to BRICS, recognize BRICS, and hope to join the BRICS. BRICS members have always responded to the expectations of all parties in a sincere manner and promoted the relevant process with pragmatic actions. We welcome more like-minded partners to participate in BRICS cooperation and work together to make the international order more just and equitable," said Lin.
China welcomes more like-minded partners to join BRICS cooperation: spokesman
Truck drivers and their cargoes sought refuge in a Shanghai activity hub as Typhoon Bebinca, the strongest typhoon to hit the city in decades, made landfall on Monday morning, unleashing heavy rains and winds exceeding 160 kilometers per hour.
In the Pudong District, situated on the southeastern tip of Shanghai, the impact of Typhoon Bebinca was stark, with trees and road signs uprooted, construction sites disrupted, and bicycles scattered across the ground.
Shanghai is not prone to strong typhoons, but local authorities have made emergency plans.
In Lingang Special Area, an activity hub was transformed into a temporary shelter for over 130 truck drivers and their cargoes.
"With such strong winds, it's not safe to park my truck on the street. Trees could fall. Parking here is a safer choice. The service is good here. It's clean, and it also provides food. We can take a shower here," said Wang Shaodong, a truck driver from east China's Anhui Province.
"The Donghai Bridge has been closed, as the typhoon is approaching. That's why we came here. They provide us with bedding, and air conditioners were turned on. So we are staying here. There are also meals downstairs," said Gong Xiangge, a hazardous cargo driver from east China's Shandong Province.
"We call these truck drivers 'men living on wheels.' The 13th typhoon [of this year] brought gales, with maximum wind speed reaching 36.9 meters per second, so danger may come at any time. So staying on the side of the street is unsafe for both trucks and drivers," said Fan Jianrong, deputy director of Lingang Special Area Investment Holding Group.
Although traffic resumed on all roads and bridges across Shanghai starting from 20:00 on Monday, precautions are still in place as Typhoon Pulasan, the 14th of the year, has formed in the northeastern Pacific and could follow a similar path to Typhoon Bebinca.
The director of the center said that the shelter remains open to those in need, ensuring that assistance is readily available for individuals affected by the poor weather.
Truck drivers seek shelter as powerful typhoon hits Shanghai
