16 July 2024, India International Centre, New Delhi

Dr. Ash Narain Roy,

Colleagues from the Diplomatic Corps,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

It’s a great pleasure to join you at the conference today. We appreciate the Institute of Social Sciences’ long-time interest in BRICS and Global South. I look forward to an in-depth discussion with you, to build consensus to advance BRICS agenda and promote cooperation among emerging economies and developing countries.

The world today is undergoing great development, transformation and adjustment. Emerging economies and developing countries account for the vast majority of the world’s population. The direction of travel of the world has huge impact on our interests and future. We are truly stakeholders. We will rise or fall together, and therefore share a common destiny.  

We live at a time of challenge and hope. The Ukraine crisis and the Gaza conflict continue unabated. Climate change and food security challenges are intertwined. And the world economic recovery faces headwinds. On the other hand, a new industrial and technology revolution is gathering speed. Emerging markets and developing countries face historic opportunities for leapfrog development.

We live at a time of old paradigm and change. A couple of western countries should not and can not monopolize world order, rule-making, and global narrative. The emerging markets and developing countries are on the rise. Many countries in the Global South have embarked on the fast track of development. They make up more than 40% of the world economy and emerge as a new force of awakening. Multi-polarity and democratization of international relations are gaining momentum.

We live at a time of division and solidarity. In order to keep its hegemony, the US pursues zero-sum game and bloc confrontation, and seeks protectionism and decoupling. These are self-defeating approaches and harm others too. But globalization is irreversible. Developing countries are determined to retain strategic autonomy and unite to create a better future. The international community calls for multilateralism, fairness and justice with a louder voice.

Ladies and gentlemen,

Since its establishment in 2006, the BRICS has gone through 18 years of development. BRICS countries independently choose our development paths, pursue an independent foreign policy, and deepen and expand our exchanges and cooperation. We are a positive, stable and constructive force in international affairs. Last year, BRICS countries achieved historic expansion, ushering in a new era of the Global South solidarity. Now BRICS countries account for nearly half of the world’s population and one-fifth of global trade. The size of our economies has surpassed that of the G7 in terms of purchasing power parity. We have become an important player shaping the international landscape.

This year marks the 70th anniversary of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence. Seventy years ago, the Chinese leadership together with India and Myanmar advocated the Five Principles. They inspired and encouraged more and more countries in Asia, Africa and Latin America to support each other and embark on an independent path of development. It boosted South-South cooperation and improved North-South relations. Last month, President Xi Jinping addressed the Conference Marking the 70th Anniversary of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence. He expounded on the essence of the Five Principles and their relevance to our times. And he pointed to the direction of building a community with a shared future for mankind. It’s a strong message of the Global South to work with the people around the world for a better future.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

The emerging markets and developing countries represented by BRICS share a commitment to independence. We all have a historic mission of development and revitalization. And we all want equity and justice. Amid the profound changes unseen in a century, China is ready to join hands with BRICS partners with a more open and inclusive mindset, to implement the Global Security Initiative, the Global Development Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative. We should be the staunch force for peace, the driving force for open development, the constructive force of global governance, and the advocates for exchange among civilizations. Let’s take the lead in building a community with a shared future for mankind.

We should build a world of fairness and justice. International rules should be written together by all. Power politics and the law of the jungle have no place in our era. BRICS countries should lead by example in  upholding the UN-centered international system, promote an equal and orderly multipolar world and a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization. To avoid a divided world, exclusive small-circles and bloc confrontation must be resisted. We should support Russia’s 2024 BRICS Chairmanship, support Brazil in hosting the G20 summit this year and the COP30 next year. It is important that we strengthen coordination on international agenda, including the UN Summit of the Future and the UN’s 80th anniversary. We should practice true multilateralism, put development at the center of the global agenda, and promote the vision of global governance featuring extensive consultation and joint contribution for shared benefit. This will increase the representation and voice of developing countries.

We should build a world of peace and tranquility. Peace is an aspiration shared by all the people around the world. It’s also a fundamental precondition for development. BRICS countries should support each other on issues concerning our respective core interests and enhance coordination on major international and regional issues. We should seek political solutions to hot-spot issues, and firmly oppose the cold war mentality, zero-sum games and unilateral bullying, to contribute to world peace and stability. On the Ukraine crisis, China is committed to peace and dialogue. We support an international peace conference to be held at a proper time that is recognized by both Russia and Ukraine. It requires equal participation of all parties and fair discussion of all peace plans. On the Palestinian question, We must push for an immediate, comprehensive and lasting ceasefire, ease humanitarian crisis, restart the two-State solution at an early date, and achieve lasting peace in the Middle East.

We should build a world of prosperity and progress. Development is the top priority for emerging markets and developing countries. It’s not a privilege reserved for a few Western countries. The strengths of BRICS countries in terms of energy, resources and markets should be fully utilized to provide a solid foundation for our common development. BRICS countries consist of major importers and exporters of commodities such as oil, wheat and soybean. We should explore the establishment of a more stable supply and demand system among BRICS countries, ensure secure and smooth functioning of global supply and industrial chains, and firmly oppose decoupling, disruptions and unilateral sanctions. It’s essential to pursue innovation-driven development, strengthen cooperation in artificial intelligence and other realms, facilitate trade and investment and work for early breakthroughs on local currency settlement and cross-border payment cooperation. We should also urge developed countries to live up to their commitments on development assistance and climate financing.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

We gather at a crucial juncture to build on our past achievements and open up a new prospect for BRICS cooperation. We need to carry forward the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, stay open and inclusive, deepen mutually beneficial cooperation, tackle common challenges and build a better future together.

Thank you!