Wang Yi urges BRICS to lead Global South in shaping fairer world order

BEIJING: China has called on BRICS nations to strengthen solidarity, uphold multilateralism and play a leading role in addressing the growing security and development challenges facing the international community amid what it described as profound changes in the global landscape.

The appeal was made by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi during the 16th Meeting of BRICS National Security Advisers and High Representatives on National Security, where delegates exchanged views on non-traditional security threats, counterterrorism, cybersecurity and global governance issues.

Wang, who is also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Director of the Office of the Central Commission for Foreign Affairs, said BRICS had evolved over the past two decades into a major force for global peace, development and justice.

Addressing the gathering, Wang emphasised the need for BRICS countries to safeguard the international order and uphold the principles of multilateral cooperation.

He urged member states to firmly oppose unilateralism, protectionism and actions that undermine global stability, arguing that collective action and international cooperation remain essential to addressing contemporary challenges.

“As a leading platform of the Global South, BRICS should continue to speak for fairness, justice and the legitimate interests of developing countries,” he said.

Wang stressed that BRICS nations must further strengthen their influence and role in shaping international affairs at a time of increasing geopolitical uncertainty.

Highlighting the importance of peaceful conflict resolution, the Chinese diplomat called for the promotion of a common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security framework.

He urged countries to pursue political solutions to international disputes and actively seek peaceful settlements through dialogue, consultation and diplomacy.

According to Wang, consensus-building and mutual respect remain the most effective means of overcoming security deadlocks and reducing tensions in conflict-prone regions.

The Chinese foreign minister also called for deeper cooperation in tackling a range of global security challenges.

He urged BRICS members to strengthen efforts against terrorism in all its forms, oppose the militarisation of outer space and work collectively to address growing risks to global energy and food security.

Wang further advocated enhanced cooperation on strategic mineral resources and greater international support to contain the Ebola outbreak affecting parts of Africa.

He stressed that coordinated action among emerging economies would be critical to managing increasingly interconnected global threats.

Focusing on emerging technologies, Wang highlighted the need for improved governance frameworks for artificial intelligence (AI) and digital technologies.

He warned against the potential risks associated with the rapid development of AI and called for efforts to ensure that technological innovation serves humanity in a safe and responsible manner.

The Chinese diplomat also voiced support for the United Nations as the primary platform for advancing international cooperation on cyberspace governance, digital regulation and emerging technologies.

Looking ahead, Wang said China was prepared to work closely with fellow BRICS members as it assumes the group's rotating chairmanship next year.

He noted that the strength of the BRICS mechanism stems from equality, mutual benefit, solidarity and cooperation among member states.

China, he said, remains committed to advancing a shared vision of peace, development and prosperity and to strengthening BRICS as an influential voice of the Global South.

Participants at the meeting praised the achievements of the BRICS cooperation framework and reaffirmed their commitment to safeguarding the interests of developing nations.

They pledged to deepen cooperation in addressing common challenges and to work collectively toward building a more balanced and multipolar international order characterised by peace, security, fairness, justice and sustainable development.

The meeting underscored the growing importance of BRICS as a platform for coordinating responses to global challenges and promoting greater representation for emerging economies in international decision-making.