In a speech delivered by Mr. Wang Lei, Minister of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in India, at the conference on “Promoting BRICS’ Multi-Dimensional Agenda,” hosted by the Institute of Social Sciences, he highlighted the significant development, transformation, and adjustment the world is currently experiencing. He emphasized the pivotal role of emerging economies and developing countries, which comprise the vast majority of the world’s population. “The direction of global development has a profound impact on our interests and future,” Mr. Wang stated, underscoring the interconnectedness of these nations in a time of both challenge and hope.
Mr. Wang addressed the ongoing crises, such as those in Ukraine, and the intertwined challenges of climate change and food security. Despite these headwinds, he pointed to the accelerating new industrial and technological revolution that offers historic opportunities for leapfrog development. “We are witnessing the end of an old paradigm and the beginning of a new one,” he said, asserting that no longer can a few Western countries monopolize world order, rule-making, and the global narrative.
Emerging markets and developing countries are on the rise, with many nations in the Global South embarking on rapid development, contributing to over 40% of the world economy. “This new awakening is driving multipolarity and democratizing international relations, gaining significant momentum,” Mr. Wang remarked. However, he criticised the division and solidarity challenges posed by some global powers, particularly the US, which he accused of pursuing a zero-sum game and bloc competition. “Globalization is irreversible, and developing countries are determined to retain strategic autonomy and unite for a better future,” he asserted.
Since its establishment in 2006, BRICS has undergone 18 years of development. Mr. Wang noted that BRICS countries independently choose their development paths, pursue independent foreign policies, and deepen their exchanges and cooperation. “We are a positive, stable, and constructive force in international affairs,” he said, celebrating the recent historic expansion of BRICS. He highlighted that BRICS countries now account for nearly half of the world’s population and one-fifth of global trade, surpassing the G7 in terms of purchasing power parity. “We have become an important player shaping the international landscape,” he affirmed.
This year marks the 70th anniversary of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence. Mr. Wang reflected on how Chinese leadership, along with India and Myanmar, advocated these principles, inspiring countries across Asia, Africa, and Latin America to support each other and pursue independent development. “This positive South-South cooperation has improved North-South relations,” he stated.
He cited President Xi Jinping’s address at the conference marking the 70th anniversary of these principles, emphasizing their relevance to our times and the importance of building a community with a shared future for all mankind. “This strong message from the Global South calls for cooperation with people worldwide for a better future,” Mr. Wang noted.
The emerging markets and developing countries represented by BRICS share a commitment to independence, development, and modernization. “We all strive for equity and justice amid profound global changes,” Mr. Wang said. He reiterated China’s readiness to join hands with BRICS partners with an open and inclusive mindset to implement the Global Security Initiative, the Global Development Initiative, and the Global Civilization Initiative. “We should be a strong force for peace, a driving force for open development, a constructive force in global governance, and advocates for exchanges among civilizations,” he added.
Mr. Wang emphasised the need to build a world of fairness and justice. “International rules should be written together by all, and power politics and the law of the jungle have no place in our era,” he declared. He urged BRICS countries to lead by example in upholding the UN-centered international system, promoting an equal and orderly multipolar world, and fostering universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization. “Exclusive small circles and bloc confrontations must be resisted,” he warned.
He also expressed support for Russia’s 2024 BRICS chairmanship, Brazil in hosting the G20 summit this year, and the COP summit next year. “It is important to strengthen coordination on the international agenda, including the UN Summit on the Future and the UN’s 75th anniversary,” he emphasized. Practising true multilateralism and promoting a vision of global governance featuring extensive consultation, joint contribution, and shared benefits will increase the representation and voice of developing countries and contribute to global peace and tranquillity.
On peace, Mr. Wang stated, “Community tranquillity presupposes that peace is an aspiration shared by all people worldwide and is a fundamental precondition for development.” He stressed that BRICS countries should support each other on issues concerning their core interests and coordinate on major international and regional issues. “We should seek political solutions to hotspot issues and firmly oppose Cold War mentality, zero-sum games, and unilateral bullying,” he asserted, noting that BRICS countries contribute to world peace and stability.
Regarding the Ukraine crisis, Mr. Wang reiterated China’s commitment to peace and dialogue, supporting an international peace conference at the appropriate time, recognized by both Russia and Ukraine, with equal participation of all parties. On the Palestinian question, he urged pushing for an immediate, comprehensive, and lasting ceasefire to address the humanitarian crisis and restart the two-state solution to achieve lasting peace in the Middle East.
On development, Mr. Wang underlined that it is a top priority for emerging markets and developing countries and not a privilege reserved for a few Western countries. “The strengths of BRICS countries in terms of energy, resources, and markets should be fully utilised to provide a solid foundation for our common development,” he said. He called for establishing a more stable supply and demand system among BRICS countries, ensuring the secure and smooth functioning of global supply and industry chains, and firmly opposing decoupling and disruptions from unilateral sanctions.
Mr. Wang also highlighted the importance of innovation-driven development, strengthening cooperation in artificial intelligence and other realms, facilitating trade and investment, and working for early breakthroughs in local currency settlement and cross-border payment cooperation. “We should also urge developed countries to fulfil their commitments on development assistance and climate financing,” he added.
In conclusion, Mr. Wang stressed the crucial juncture at which we gather to build on past achievements and open new prospects for regional cooperation. “We need to carry forward the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, ensuring stable and inclusive development,” he stated. Deepening mutually beneficial cooperation will help tackle common challenges and build a better future together.
Leave a Reply