Chinese President Xi Jinping has called on BRICS nations to jointly uphold multilateralism and defend the multilateral trading system, urging stronger cooperation among emerging economies amid rising global challenges.

Speaking at a virtual BRICS Summit on Monday, Xi said BRICS countries – standing at the forefront of the Global South – must embody the BRICS spirit of openness, inclusiveness, and win-win cooperation.

“At this critical juncture, BRICS countries should act jointly to defend multilateralism and the multilateral trading system, deepen cooperation, and contribute to building a community with a shared future for humanity,” he said.

Xi emphasised that multilateralism remains a cornerstone of international peace and sustainable development. “Multilateralism is the shared aspiration of the people and the overarching trend of our time,” he said. “It provides an important underpinning for world peace and development.”

He urged BRICS members to adhere to the principle of extensive consultation, joint contribution, and shared benefits, and to safeguard the international system with the United Nations at its core and the international order based on international law.

Addressing economic concerns, Xi called on BRICS countries to stand firm in promoting openness and defending the international economic and trade order.

He described economic globalisation as an “irresistible trend of history,” stressing that no country can thrive in isolation. “No matter how the international landscape evolves, we must stay committed to building an open global economy and achieving win-win outcomes,” he said.

President Xi also underlined the importance of BRICS solidarity in addressing shared challenges and fostering common development. “The more closely we work together, the more resilient, resourceful, and effective we are in confronting external risks,” he said.

He reaffirmed China’s readiness to collaborate with fellow BRICS countries on initiatives such as the Global Development Initiative and high-quality Belt and Road cooperation. “We should leverage our respective strengths, deepen practical cooperation, and enhance partnerships in business, finance, science, and technology to strengthen the foundation and momentum of BRICS cooperation.”

“Strong wind tests the resilience of grass, and fierce fire reveals true gold. As long as we take responsibility and support one another, the giant ship of BRICS will weather the shifting international tides and sail far and steady,” he said.