Wang: BRICS should champion global stability

BRICS countries are responsible for safeguarding global stability and promoting common development as rising international competition and friction erode the basis of global trust and cooperation, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Monday.

Wang made the remark at the formal meeting of BRICS foreign ministers in the South African administrative capital of Pretoria.

BRICS members include Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.

He said the world is witnessing unprecedented changes in this century and faces challenges posed by what he called “three deficits”.

Unilateralism and protectionism have struck the global governance system and multilateral mechanism, and the lack of effective means in dealing with these global challenges has resulted in a “governance deficit”, the state councilor said.

Wang noted that increasing international competition and friction, the intensifying geopolitical situation and re-emerging Cold-War thinking have given rise to a “trust deficit”.

Also a “development deficit”, caused by global development imbalances, especially unfair income distribution and unbalanced development, has brought about social upheaval in some countries, he said.

Wang called on the BRICS countries to politically resolve hot spot issues through dialogue and negotiation.

He highlighted the importance in upholding the principles of fairness and justice and maintaining the fundamental norms of international relations, adding that the BRICS nations should remain committed to multilateralism.

He said that the BRICS members should jointly build an open world economy, oppose trade protectionism and unilateralism and safeguard common interests.

In another development, Wang said that the upcoming Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation in September will unveil new measures to facilitate various forms of cooperation between the two sides.

Efforts to advance the preparatory work for the Beijing summit are underway, Wang said when meeting with reporters, adding that most African leaders have confirmed their attendance.

China expects the gathering of the African leaders in Beijing to elevate the China-Africa Comprehensive Strategic and Cooperative Partnership to a new level, he said.