China's 2027 BRICS presidency to boost cooperation in various sectors: expert

China's taking over of the 2027 BRICS presidency will offer members an opportunity to strengthen cooperation across a wide range of sectors, not just economic ties, according to an expert.

Addressing the 18th BRICS Summit on Saturday in New Delhi, India, Chinese President Xi Jinping said China will assume the BRICS presidency next year and will host the 19th BRICS Summit.

Evandro Carvalho, an associate professor of international law at Fluminense Federal University, said China's chairmanship will offer an important opportunity to consolidate the bloc's expanded membership and translate political dialogue into practical development outcomes.

"I think there are several thoughts BRICS must consider. And China's 2027 chairmanship will offer an important opportunity to consolidate. First, I believe that this expanded BRICS connects political dialogue with practical development. And BRICS can promote, as mentioned here, greater economic integration through trade facilitation, more efficient cross-border payments and the responsible use of national currencies,” he said.

Noting that political trust cannot rest on trade alone, Carvalho stressed the importance of technological cooperation, as well as cultural and educational exchanges.

"BRICS can place technological cooperation at the center of its discussions. BRICS needs initiatives in artificial intelligence governance, digital infrastructure, and digital inclusion as well. Renewable energy, biotechnology, and advanced manufacturing. And these programs should include technology transfer, professional training, joint research, so that innovation does not create new forms of inequality. BRICS should be also cultural and educational cooperation. Political trust cannot rest on trade alone, investing networks, language programs, media corporation," said Carvalho.

The 18th BRICS Summit takes place in New Delhi from September 12 to 13.

China's 2027 BRICS presidency to boost cooperation in various sectors: expert

The death toll from Wednesday’s vessel fire off Palawan Province in the Philippines has risen to 76, with 13 people still missing, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said Saturday.

According to the PCG, 41 additional bodies have been found, bringing the total number of confirmed fatalities to 76. The number of survivors remains at 43.

Speaking at a press conference on Saturday, PCG spokesperson Commodore Noemi Cayabyab said the agency's priority remains the recovery of bodies from the vessel.

"We are now focused on the retrieval. After that, we will proceed with the investigation. For the safety investigation, we have already started conducting inquiries with all of the survivors on board the vessel," said Cayabyab.

The PCG is investigating whether failures in the ferry's emergency response may have contributed to the high death toll aboard the MV June Aster.

Meanwhile, it is trying to locate the captain, Roel Sarmiento, who remains missing, said Cayabyab, adding that the captain's statement would be crucial for the investigation.

"The Philippine Coast Guard is really exerting our efforts to locate the captain of the vessel. As I mentioned, his statement will contribute greatly to the ongoing investigation," said Cayabyab.

The ferry departed Manila and caught fire near waters off Coron Municipality, a well-known tourist destination. According to the passenger manifest, 134 people, including 117 passengers and 17 crew members, were listed on board. Two passengers later told authorities they did not embark.

Philippine vessel fire death toll rises to 76, with 13 missing