The BRICS TimesChinese President Xi Jinping stated at the BRICS meeting that U.S.-imposed tariffs have harmed the global economy and weakened trade rules, urging BRICS nations to stand united. He emphasized strengthening the voice of the Global South, reforming the global governance system, and ensuring better use of resources.
Chinese President Xi Jinping on Monday highlighted that tariffs introduced by the United States have severely impacted the global economy and weakened the framework of international trade rules. He urged BRICS members—Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa—to come together and jointly address these growing challenges.
Addressing the BRICS leaders’ summit via video link, chaired by Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, Xi remarked, “The world is witnessing dramatic changes not seen in a century. Some nations waging trade and tariff wars are disrupting the global economy and undermining international trade rules.” Though Xi refrained from directly naming the U.S. or then-President Donald Trump, his reference was clearly directed at Washington’s trade actions.
BRICS Nations Must Work in Unity
Xi Jinping stressed that BRICS nations must remain open, cooperative, and supportive of each other to safeguard trade rules and strengthen their partnership. He underlined that BRICS should promote greater democracy in international relations while enhancing the representation and voice of the Global South. In his words, reforms in the global governance system are essential to make better use of resources and collectively respond to challenges facing humanity.
‘The More United We Are, the Stronger We Become’
The Chinese leader also referred to the Global Governance Initiative (GGI) he proposed at the recent Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in Tianjin. He explained that the initiative aims to ensure a fairer and more equitable global governance system in response to U.S. dominance.
Highlighting the strength of the BRICS bloc, Xi pointed out that the group represents nearly half of the world’s population, about 30 percent of global economic output, and 20 percent of global trade. BRICS countries, he emphasized, also hold significant natural resources, major industries, and vast markets. “The more united we are, the stronger we will be in overcoming external challenges,” he said.
BRICS Nations Must Harness Their Strengths
Calling on BRICS countries to leverage their collective strengths, Xi urged them to deepen practical cooperation and increase productivity in areas such as trade, finance, science, and technology. He noted, “If we shoulder our responsibilities and care for each other, the giant BRICS vessel will sail forward with resilience despite global turbulence.”
