Image Source: CNN
At the virtual BRICS Summit held on September 8, 2025, Chinese President Xi Jinping delivered a pointed and strategic address emphasizing the need to uphold multilateralism, reinforce the global trading system anchored by the World Trade Organization (WTO), and resist rising protectionist tendencies. His remarks come amid growing geopolitical fragmentation and trade tensions, particularly involving major economies and regional blocs.
Key Highlights
Xi Jinping urged BRICS nations to defend the multilateral trading system with the WTO at its core
He called for resisting all forms of protectionism and unilateralism in global trade
Emphasized the importance of openness, win-win cooperation, and maintaining international economic order
Advocated for reforms in global governance to reflect emerging market interests
Reaffirmed China’s commitment to peaceful development and shared prosperity
Xi’s speech underscored China’s positioning as a champion of globalization and rule-based trade, especially as Western economies increasingly adopt restrictive trade policies. He stressed that BRICS—comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa—must act as stabilizers in the global economy by promoting inclusive growth and equitable governance.
The Chinese president also highlighted the need for BRICS countries to deepen cooperation in digital infrastructure, green energy, and supply chain resilience. He proposed enhanced coordination on macroeconomic policies and joint efforts to reform institutions like the WTO and IMF to better reflect the voices of developing nations.
Xi’s remarks were aligned with recent bilateral engagements, including his meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the SCO Summit in Tianjin, where both leaders agreed on the importance of strategic autonomy and peaceful coexistence2. The BRICS platform, in this context, serves as a counterbalance to Western-led trade frameworks and offers emerging economies a collective voice in shaping global norms.
The speech also carried implicit criticism of coercive trade practices and unilateral sanctions, which China views as destabilizing to global supply chains and economic recovery. Xi called for BRICS nations to jointly oppose such measures and instead build partnerships based on mutual respect and shared development goals.
As the world grapples with post-pandemic recovery, climate challenges, and digital transformation, Xi’s call for multilateralism and openness signals China’s intent to lead a coalition of emerging economies toward a more balanced and inclusive global order.
Sources: Times of India, Zee News
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