Write a New Chapter of Human Development and Progress

Write a New Chapter of Human Development and Progress

- State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi Talks about President Xi Jinping's Chairing the 14th BRICS Summit and the High-level Dialogue on Global Development

From June 23 to 24, 2022, President Xi Jinping respectively chaired the 14th BRICS Summit and the High-level Dialogue on Global Development via video link and delivered important remarks. On June 22, President Xi Jinping also delivered a keynote speech at the opening ceremony of the BRICS Business Forum. At the end of the meetings, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi gave an interview to the Chinese central media, in which he made a review of China's hosting of the meetings and gave a detailed account of the significant ideas and propositions put forward by President Xi Jinping and their profound impacts.

Wang Yi said, following the summits in Sanya and Xiamen, China hosted the BRICS Summit for the third time. This is the most important home-ground diplomatic event before the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China. It is of great importance in jointly upholding international fairness and justice, revitalizing global development, and promoting the building of a community with a shared future for mankind.

At present, the world is ushering in a new phase of instability and transformation, with the combined impacts of changes and the COVID-19 pandemic both unseen in a century. The world economy still faces strong headwinds on its path toward recovery, security challenges are becoming more acute, and global development has faced headwinds and countercurrents. Each country's call for international fairness and justice is becoming stronger and people's desire for development cooperation is becoming more urgent. President Xi Jinping, bearing in mind the well-being of the entire humanity, has led the BRICS summits to produce a series of pioneering, leading and institutional outcomes, fully demonstrating the historical responsibility and global vision of a major country's leader and contributing China's new share to world peace and development.

I. Safeguard Fairness and Justice and Uphold Justice for the Maintenance of World Peace

Wang Yi said, for some time, the Cold War mentality and bloc politics have been on the rise, with traditional and non-traditional security threats emerging constantly. Some countries attempt to expand military alliances to seek absolute security, stoke bloc-based confrontation by coercing other countries into picking sides, and pursue unilateral dominance at the expense of others' rights and interests. Factors of instability, uncertainty and insecurity are mounting in the international landscape, and the world faces the real risk of division and confrontation.

Peace, like sunlight and air, is essential for the survival and development of mankind and is the eager aspiration of people all over the world. President Xi Jinping pointed out profoundly in his speech that the tragedies of the past two world wars and the Cold War tell us that hegemony, group politics and bloc confrontation bring no peace or security; they only lead to wars and conflicts. The Ukraine crisis is another wake-up call for all in the world. It reminds us that blind faith in the so-called "position of strength" and attempts to expand military alliances and seek one's own security at the expense of others will only land oneself in a security dilemma. President Xi Jinping stressed that only when we all cherish and uphold peace and never forget the painful lessons of war can there be hope of peace.

At this year's Annual Conference of the Boao Forum for Asia, President Xi Jinping put forward the Global Security Initiative (GSI) for the first time, which has been warmly welcomed and acclaimed by the international community. During this BRICS Summit, President Xi Jinping further elaborated on the connotation and practical significance of the GSI and stressed that all countries need to stay committed to the vision of common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security; stay committed to respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries; stay committed to abiding by the purposes and principles of the UN Charter; stay committed to taking the legitimate security concerns of all countries seriously; stay committed to peacefully resolving differences and disputes between countries through dialogue and consultation; and stay committed to maintaining security in both traditional and non-traditional domains. President Xi Jinping explicitly pointed out that we in the international community should reject zero-sum games and jointly oppose hegemonism and power politics. We should build a new type of international relations based on mutual respect, fairness, justice and win-win cooperation. We should be clear that we are a community in which all countries share a common stake.

President Xi Jinping also stressed, as important emerging markets and major developing countries, the BRICS countries should have the courage to assume our responsibilities and act boldly to inject positive, stable and constructive forces into the world. BRICS countries should safeguard justice, fairness and solidarity and reject hegemony, bullying and division. We should speak for fairness and justice, push the international community to practice true multilateralism, uphold the international system with the United Nations at its core and the international order underpinned by international law, reject the Cold War mentality and bloc confrontation, oppose unilateral sanctions and abuse of sanctions, and rise above the hegemonic "small circles" with the "big family" of the community with a shared future for mankind.

Wang Yi said, President Xi Jinping's speech is unequivocal and rousing, expressing the common aspiration of developing countries for peace and tranquility and against hegemony and power politics, and making the voice of justice, peace and the times. The GSI was just put forward at the right time, and has important practical significance and far-reaching impact. It not only firmly supports world peace, but also points the way forward for effectively responding to the current chaos and changes. China will work with all peace-loving countries to uphold justice, safeguard peace and promote the building of a global community of security for all.

II. Focus on Development and Set the Direction for Global Development Cooperation

Wang Yi said, in recent years, the global economy is struggling to recover, the development gap between the North and the South keeps widening, international development cooperation lacks drive, development is getting more and more marginalized on the international agenda, and the implementation of the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development is confronted with more difficulties. As such, President Xi Jinping proposed the Global Development Initiative (GDI) at the UN General Assembly, which aims to enable the international community to re-focus on development, contributing China's initiatives and wisdom to addressing difficulties holding back development, and providing important public goods. So far, the GDI has been warmly received by more than 100 countries and international organizations, and more than 50 countries have joined the Group of Friends of the Global Development Initiative.

At this High-level Dialogue on Global Development, President Xi Jinping further proposed to foster a development paradigm featuring benefits for all, balance, coordination, inclusiveness, win-win cooperation and common prosperity, and put forward a four-point proposal: First, we need to jointly build international consensus on promoting development. It is important that we put development front and center on the international agenda, and deliver on the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Second, we need to jointly create an enabling international environment for development. It is important that we build an open world economy, and shape a global governance system and institutional environment that are more just and equitable. Third, we need to jointly foster new drivers for global development. It is important that we promote scientific, technological and institutional innovation, with a view to achieving stronger, greener and healthier global development. Fourth, we need to jointly forge a global development partnership. The North and the South need to work in the same direction to forge a united, equal, balanced and inclusive global development partnership. In this process, no country or individual should be left behind.

President Xi Jinping also announced China's important measures to implement the GDI, including setting up the Global Development and South-South Cooperation Fund, enhancing support for the China-UN Peace and Development Fund, issuing a Global Development Report and establishing a Global Development Promotion Center and a Global Knowledge Network for Development, to play China's part in mobilizing global resources for development and expediting the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. A list of deliverables composed of 32 measures was also released at the High-level Dialogue on Global Development, covering eight areas of poverty reduction, food security, pandemic response and vaccines, financing for development, climate change and green development, industrialization, digital economy, and digital-era connectivity, including setting up a Global Alliance for Poverty Reduction and Development, launching a Food Production Enhancement Action, establishing an International Vaccines Research, Development and Innovation Alliance, promoting to establish the Global Clean Energy Cooperation Partnership, establishing the Global Network for Sustainable Forest Management, holding a Global Development Forum and providing 100,000 training opportunities for other developing countries, among others. China looks forward to working with the international community to jointly implement the outcomes of the Dialogue and open up the project pool for the participation of all parties, so as to inject strong impetus into the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Wang Yi said, holding the High-level Dialogue on Global Development marks that the GDI began to take root. In addition to leaders of the BRICS countries, the political dignitaries attending the Dialogue include leaders of major emerging markets and developing countries such as Indonesia, the rotating presidency of the Group of 20; Thailand, the host of APEC; Kazakhstan, the rotating chair of the Commonwealth of Independent States; Cambodia, the rotating chair of ASEAN; Fiji, the host country of the Pacific Islands Forum; Argentina, the rotating presidency of CELAC; Senegal, the rotating chairmanship of the African Union; Uzbekistan, the rotating chairmanship of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization; Algeria, the incoming rotating chairmanship of the League of Arab States as well as Egypt, Ethiopia, Malaysia, Iran and others, which have wide representation and international influence. Focusing on the theme "Foster a Global Development Partnership for the New Era to Jointly Implement the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development", leaders of all countries had in-depth discussions on accelerating world economic recovery, deepening practical cooperation, implementing the GDI and fostering a global development partnership for the new era, to work for common development and prosperity.

III. Promote Win-win Cooperation and Help Improve the Global Governance System

Wang Yi said, as the international balance of power changes and global challenges increase, strengthening global governance and promoting the reform of the governance system has become the aspirations of the people and the trend of the world. However, we must note that some countries obstinately pursue hegemonism, unilateralism and protectionism, politicize the global economy and turn it into their tool or weapon, and fuel the momentum of backlash against globalization. The global economic recovery is at a critical juncture, and the reform of global governance faces a choice of direction. Whether to choose openness, inclusiveness or seclusion and exclusion, and whether to choose integrated development or camp confrontation bears on the future and destiny of the entire humanity.

President Xi Jinping made the profound point that anyone who attempts to turn back the wheel of history and block others' way will only have his own path blocked. We should stay committed to openness and inclusiveness, eliminate all barriers to the development of productivity, and steer globalization in the right direction. We should uphold the WTO-centered multilateral trading system, remove barriers to trade, investment and technology, and keep the global economy open. We should promote extensive consultation and joint contribution to deliver shared benefits, enhance global economic governance, and increase the representation and say of emerging markets and developing countries. This will ensure that all countries enjoy equal rights, follow the rules as equals, and share equal opportunities. In response to the challenges facing the global economic recovery, President Xi Jinping pointed out that tiding over difficulties together and pursuing solidarity and cooperation is the only way for us to forestall an economic crisis. Each party should come together with a united purpose and strengthen macroeconomic policy coordination to prevent the slowdown and even halt of the global recovery. Major developed countries should adopt responsible economic policies and avoid negative policy spillovers that may take a heavy toll on developing countries.

Wang Yi said that President Xi Jinping's speech answers the common call of the developing countries, and has charted the course for the reform of the global governance system and pooled strength to boost the global economic recovery. The reform of the global governance system is full of risks and challenges, like rowing a boat against the current. China will work with emerging markets and developing countries to stay on the right path of economic globalization and build a more fair, equitable, inclusive global governance system that benefits all.

IV. Follow the Trend of the Times and Contribute to Deepening BRICS Cooperation

Wang Yi said that the BRICS countries account for 26 percent of the global area, 42 percent of the global population, and 25 percent of the global total economic output, representing the historical trend of the collective rise of large developing countries. It has been 16 years since the BRICS cooperation started. From the establishment of the New Development Bank and the Contingent Reserve Arrangement, to the "BRICS Plus" cooperation format, and to the establishment of the BRICS Partnership on New Industrial Revolution, the BRICS cooperation is entering the stage of high-quality development. This year, China held the first "BRICS Plus" dialogue at the foreign ministers' level in a pioneering way, deepening the BRICS institutional development and becoming the most influential platform for South-South cooperation.

At the BRICS Summit, President Xi Jinping put forward a four-point proposal for the future development of BRICS: First, we need to uphold solidarity and safeguard world peace and tranquility. Second, we need to uphold cooperation to boost development and jointly tackle risks and challenges. Third, we need to uphold the pioneering spirit and innovation and unleash the potential and vitality of cooperation. Fourth, we need to uphold openness and inclusiveness and pool collective wisdom and strength. In response to the recent expectation of many countries to join the BRICS mechanism, President Xi Jinping pointed out that BRICS countries gather not in a closed club or an exclusive circle, but a big family of mutual support and a partnership for win-win cooperation. Under the new circumstances, it is all the more important for BRICS countries to pursue development with open doors and boost cooperation with open arms. It is important to advance the process of BRICS membership expansion to allow like-minded partners to become part of the BRICS family at an early date. President Xi Jinping also stressed at the opening session of the BRICS Foreign Ministers' Meeting that the five BRICS countries need to engage in dialogue and exchanges with more emerging markets and developing countries, so as to make the pie of cooperation bigger and the force for progress stronger, and contribute still more to the lofty vision of building a community with a shared future for mankind.

Wang Yi said, under the leadership of President Xi Jinping, the BRICS China Year is full of fruitful results and highlights. China will host over 170 BRICS events in various fields throughout the year. In the first half of this year alone, more than 20 ministerial meetings were held, and each of the "BRICS Plus" events attracted the participation of more than 50 non-BRICS countries, expanding the influence of BRICS. This year, BRICS activities will deliver 37 major outcomes, which will reach a new height in terms of quantity and quality. It can be preliminarily summarized as "ten highlights":

First, send BRICS' strong message of safeguarding international fairness and justice. Release the Beijing Declaration, express the common position on supporting multilateralism and improving the global governance system, and put forward BRICS proposals for safeguarding world peace.

Second, consolidate the BRICS line of defense against the pandemic. Launch the BRICS Vaccine R&D Center and build a comprehensive platform for joint research, development and production that reaches out to developing countries to help build a community of health for all.

Third, play BRICS' part to keep the global economy open. Release the Joint Statement on Supporting Multilateral Trading System and WTO Reform of the BRICS countries, put forward the BRICS Initiative on Enhancing Cooperation on Supply Chains, and build BRICS consensus on upholding the multilateral trading system and improving the formulation of international trade rules.

Fourth, highlight BRICS actions to win the fight against corruption. Adopt the BRICS Initiative on Denial of Safe Haven to Corruption, and deepen practical cooperation among BRICS countries on cross-border corruption governance and pursuit of economic and corrupt offenders to build a new global anti-corruption governance system.

Fifth, lay a solid foundation for building a big market for BRICS integration. Sign the Agreement Between the Governments of BRICS Countries on Cooperation and Mutual Administrative Assistance in Customs Matters, and release the BRICS Initiative on Trade and Investment for Sustainable Development, to provide new growth drivers for promoting trade facilitation and achieving economic recovery.

Sixth, inject BRICS impetus into global food security. Reach the first Strategy on Food Security Cooperation of the BRICS Countries, and establish the Forum on Agricultural and Rural Development, to showcase the five BRICS countries' practical actions to stabilize global food production and the positive contributions to global food security governance.

Seventh, tap the potential of BRICS for innovation-driven development. Establish the BRICS network of technology transfer centers, and host the Forum on Big Data for Sustainable Development, to contribute to economic transformation, upgrading and high-quality development in the five BRICS countries.

Eighth, expand BRICS cooperation in new domains of frontier science and technology. Establish the BRICS aerospace cooperation mechanism, and promote exchanges and innovation in space science and technology, to set a BRICS model for the peaceful use of outer space and aerospace technology for sustainable development.

Ninth, seize the opportunity of the times for the development of the digital economy. Endorse the BRICS Digital Economy Partnership Framework, and release the BRICS Initiative for Cooperation on Digitalization of Manufacturing, to achieve leapfrog development together.

Tenth, build a future-oriented pool of high-quality technical talents. Establish the BRICS Technical and Vocational Education and Training Cooperation Alliance, and hold the Skills Competition, SDG Solutions Competition, and Women's Innovation Contest, to promote connectivity between the talent, industrial and innovation chains of the five BRICS countries.

In addition, this year we also held the BRICS Political Parties, Think Tanks and Civil Society Organizations Forum, and carried out the joint filming and broadcasting of documentaries, to tell BRICS stories, spread BRICS voices and promote mutual understanding and amity among BRICS countries through rich and colorful cultural exchanges activities. We also focused on strengthening BRICS institutional development, expanding "BRICS Plus" cooperation and establishing broader partnerships. We also agreed to support promoting discussions on BRICS expansion process and to clarify the guiding principles, standards, criteria and procedures for this expansion process.

V. Adhere to Reform and Opening-up, to Inject China's Impetus into the Global Economic Recovery

Wang Yi said that as the pandemic has recently continued to spread with new flare-ups, the international situation is complex and volatile, and various factors less expected are compounded with each other, China's economy also has been hit hard. As a major engine of world economic growth, how China will tackle risks and challenges and promote high-quality development has become an issue of general concern for countries around the world.

President Xi Jinping introduced China's economic situation and policy philosophy at the opening ceremony of the BRICS Business Forum, pointing out that facing a complicated and challenging domestic and international environment for development, China has risen to various challenges and taken well-coordinated steps to respond to COVID-19 and pursue economic and social development. Putting the people and their lives first, China has built a strong line of defense against the virus, and consolidated the gains made in COVID-19 response. Thanks to these efforts, China has protected people's lives and health and ensured overall stable performance in economic and social development to the maximum extent possible. China will step up macroeconomic policy adjustment, and adopt more forceful measures to deliver the economic and social development goals for the whole year. President Xi Jinping said that China will continue to pursue opening-up against higher standards, develop new systems for a higher-standard open economy, and foster a market- and law-based and internationalized business environment. Various parties are welcome to invest and do business in China, and share in China's development opportunities. President Xi Jinping's speech, strategically positioned and inspiring, clarified the internal laws and inevitable trends of China's economy, demonstrated the huge potential and resilience of China's development, and increased the confidence of the outside world in China's economic prospects.

Wang Yi said at last that in a volatile world, China, as a major country, should and will stay cool-headed and not be affected by any distractions. At a critical moment in the development and evolution of human history, China has successfully hosted this Summit. By focusing on BRICS and going beyond BRICS, China has answered the questions of the world, history and the times, leaving an indelible chapter in the history of international relations. At present, the Chinese people are marching energetically toward the Second Centenary Goal of building China into a great modern socialist country. Under the guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era and Xi Jinping Thought on Diplomacy, we will hold high the banner of building a community with a shared future for mankind, and make new and greater contributions to realizing the Chinese dream of national rejuvenation and promoting lasting peace and common development of the world.