The announced expansion marks a new starting point for BRICS cooperation and will inject new impetus into the BRICS cooperation mechanism, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said Thursday.

BRICS held its 15th summit in Johannesburg, South Africa, from Aug. 22 to 24. Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the UAE, Argentina, Iran and Ethiopia were invited to become new BRICS members.

At the summit, Chinese President Xi Jinping and leaders of other BRICS countries unanimously agreed to invite the six countries to become members of the BRICS family, the spokesperson said, sending China's congratulations.

Noting that the announced expansion is of important historic significance, the spokesperson said that last year, BRICS started the expansion process during China's chairmanship. China has since been working with other BRICS members to advance the process.

Many emerging markets and developing countries have taken keen consideration on joining BRICS and more than 20 countries submitted their applications, which speaks volumes about the appeal of BRICS and the enthusiasm and aspiration of emerging markets and developing countries for cooperation, the spokesperson said.

The spokesperson said the expansion demonstrates the determination of BRICS countries to unite and cooperate with fellow developing countries. It meets the expectation of the international community and serves the common interests of emerging markets and developing countries.

"It also marks a new starting point for BRICS cooperation, and will inject new impetus into the BRICS cooperation mechanism and further expand the force for world peace and development," the spokesperson said.