On September 8, 2025, President Xi Jinping joined his fellow BRICS leaders virtually from the Chinese mainland for the latest summit addressing an evolving world order.
In a speech titled “Forging Ahead in Solidarity and Cooperation,” he highlighted rising challenges – from protectionism and trade tensions to growing calls for more inclusive global governance. Drawing on a Chinese proverb – “Strong wind tests the resilience of grass, and fierce fire reveals true gold” – he laid out three core proposals to steer the BRICS bloc towards a future of shared progress.
1. Defending Multilateralism
President Xi underlined the need to uphold multilateralism as a cornerstone for fairness and justice. He called for reforms to global governance, with the United Nations at its heart, and stronger voices for Global South members. His Global Governance Initiative aims to mobilize resources and enhance cooperation to tackle challenges from poverty to climate change.
2. Championing Open Cooperation
Against a backdrop of tariff wars and unilateralism, he reaffirmed that economic globalization is “an irresistible trend.” President Xi urged BRICS to safeguard the World Trade Organization's central role, oppose protectionism, and promote an open economy where all nations – and especially Global South members – share in the gains.
3. Strengthening Solidarity for Shared Growth
Accounting for nearly half the world’s population, about 30% of global GDP and one-fifth of international trade, BRICS has immense collective potential. President Xi proposed deepening practical cooperation – from infrastructure and finance to science and technology – through initiatives like the Global Development Initiative and high-quality Belt and Road partnerships.
With these pillars, he argued, BRICS can weather global uncertainties and drive sustainable growth for billions. As President Xi put it, “As long as we step up to take our responsibilities and look out for each other, the giant ship of BRICS will brave the shifting international tides and sail far and steady.”
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Full text of President Xi Jinping's speech at virtual BRICS Summit
cgtn.com
