China's Xi, at virtual BRICS summit: We should uphold multilateralism - Xinhua

China's Xi, at virtual BRICS summit: We should uphold multilateralism - Xinhua

Chinese President Xi Jinping, speaking at a virtual BRICS summit, emphasized the importance of multilateralism in addressing global challenges. The meeting, convened by Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva on September 8, will focus on the US President's tariff trade policy and promote a common position in support of multilateralism [1].

The BRICS summit, originally comprised of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, has expanded to include five additional member states: Iran, the United Arab Emirates, Indonesia, Ethiopia, and Egypt. Following the election of Javier Milei as president, Argentina withdrew its membership application, while Saudi Arabia is in the process of formally accepting the accession process [1].

The summit will follow a weekend of meetings in Tianjin between Chinese President Xi Jinping, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Xi's vision for global governance reform, as part of the Global Governance Initiative (GGI), calls for a more just and equitable global governance system [2].

Xi's remarks at the BRICS summit echo his keynote speech at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit, where he drew a historical parallel to the founding of the United Nations in 1945. He warned that while peace, development, and cooperation remain fundamental trends, Cold War thinking, hegemonism, and protectionism still cast a "lingering shadow" over global affairs [2].

The Brazilian economy is currently subject to 50 percent tariffs imposed by the US, with approximately 700 exceptions for strategic products. The tariffs were justified by US President Donald Trump's request to suspend the trial of former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, accused of an attempted coup [1].

The BRICS summit is expected to address the tariffs and promote a common position in support of multilateralism, emphasizing that the meeting should not be focused exclusively on relations with the US. The summit will also discuss the proposal to create a common currency as an alternative to the dollar, launched by Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva in 2023 [1].

References:
[1] https://www.agenzianova.com/en/news/brasile-bloomberg-lula-convochera-un-vertice-brics-per-l8-settembre-sui-dazi-usa-e-multilateralismo/
[2] https://www.channelnewsasia.com/east-asia/china-xi-jinping-global-governance-initiative-reform-un-sco-5334516