BRICS urged to advance reform of governance

Premier Li Qiang has called on the BRICS countries, which, he said, stand at the forefront of the Global South, to strive to be the pioneering force in advancing global governance reform.

Li made the remarks on Sunday when addressing the plenary session on "Peace and Security and Global Governance Reform" of the 17th BRICS Summit, which was held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on Sunday and Monday.

He called on the BRICS countries to work together to uphold justice and safeguard world peace and tranquility, focus on development to bolster economic growth, and advocate inclusiveness to promote exchanges and mutual learning among various civilizations.

The summit came as the international multilateral system continues to erode, the 90-day pause on additional tariffs imposed by the United States nears its end on Wednesday, and global trade, security and governance face uncertainty and new challenges.

Given the situation, all eyes were on the 17th BRICS Summit to see what kind of strategy the champion of the Global South and a stabilizing force in an increasingly volatile world comes up with to tone down differences and ensure a fair and balanced international order, observers said.

Addressing the summit, Li said that transformations unseen in a century are accelerating in the world, international rules and order face serious challenges, and the authority and efficacy of multilateral mechanisms are weakening.

The vision of global governance put forward by President Xi Jinping, characterized by extensive consultation and joint contribution with benefits shared by all, holds even greater value and relevance, he said.

"In the face of heightened differences and disagreements, we need the spirit of equality and respect to enable more extensive consultation," the premier said. "In the face of deeply intertwined and shared interests, we need united and collaborative actions to enhance our joint contribution."

Li emphasized that power politics and bullying are never the right way to solve problems, and that the security and development of all countries should be respected.

He said that development should not be a zero-sum game where one profits at the expense of the other, but should be win-win cooperation where all can benefit through mutual assistance.

"Countries' development ought to be opportunities, not threats, to each other. When everyone is willing to share opportunities with others, there will be more opportunities and benefits to share," he added.

The premier underlined the need for the BRICS countries to uphold independence and self-reliance, demonstrate a sense of responsibility, and play a greater role in building consensus and synergy.

"When international rules are being undermined and bullying practices are on the rise, we need to stand up for what is right and speak up for justice. We need to act as a positive and stable force for good in the world, promote dispute settlement by peaceful means, and seek solutions that address the root causes based on the true merits of issues," he said.

Li called on the BRICS countries to play an active part in spearheading development cooperation, unlock growth potential in emerging areas, and continue to explore new space for mutually beneficial cooperation.

He said that this year, China will establish the China-BRICS New Quality Productive Forces Research Center and the BRICS New Industry Golden Egret Excellence Scholarships, which will help BRICS countries train talent in areas such as industry and telecommunications and pursue innovation-driven development.

China stands ready to join hands with other BRICS countries to make global governance more just, equitable, efficient and well-ordered, and build a better world together, Li said.

The summit was presided over by Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. The leaders of countries participating in the meeting noted that the BRICS cooperation mechanism has continued to grow stronger and more representative, with its international influence rising steadily.

It has provided an important platform for Global South countries to defend their right to development, uphold international fairness and justice, and participate in the reform of the global governance system, they said.

In an increasingly turbulent world where unilateralism and protectionism are on the rise, the leaders said that BRICS countries should enhance solidarity and coordination, defend the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter, uphold and practice multilateralism, and make greater contributions to promoting common development, improving global governance, and fostering lasting peace and prosperity in the world.

The meeting adopted the Rio de Janeiro Declaration of the 17th BRICS Summit, with BRICS countries committed to promoting inclusive and sustainable global governance.