RIO DE JANEIRO, July 7 (Xinhua) — Chinese Premier Li Qiang has called for commitment to building an open world economy, and urged opposing unilateralism and protectionism.
When addressing the plenary sessions of the 17th BRICS Summit on Sunday and Monday, Li stressed the need to maintain stability and smoothness of industrial and supply chains.
The Chinese premier also spoke on topics including strengthening multilateralism, artificial intelligence, environment and climate change, and global health at the plenary sessions. Leaders from BRICS members and partner countries, guest countries, as well as representatives of international organizations, attended the sessions.
Li said that the current international economic and trade order, along with the multilateral trading system, is facing severe challenges, and the global economic recovery remains arduous. Greater BRICS cooperation must stay true to its founding purpose, meet the needs of the times, uphold and practice multilateralism, promote the establishment of a fair and open international economic and trade order, join forces in the Global South, and make greater contributions to global stability and development, he noted.
The premier said greater BRICS cooperation should uphold the fundamental principles of the World Trade Organization, and promote trade and investment liberalization and facilitation.
Noting that the China Center for Cooperation on Development of Special Economic Zones in BRICS Countries was established earlier this year, Li said that the country is willing to work with all parties to jointly build a cooperation network.
He called on all parties to stay committed to enhancing the level of international financial cooperation, expressing support for the expansion and strengthening of the New Development Bank and welcoming qualified Global South countries to invest in China’s financial market.
The premier urged progress in the World Bank’s equity review and the IMF quota share adjustment, and called for increasing the representation and voice of developing countries.
Greater BRICS cooperation should open up a new blue ocean of economic growth, Li said, calling for cooperation in emerging fields such as digital and green economies to enable artificial intelligence to empower all industries and benefit every household, and assist the Global South countries in strengthening their capacity building.
Li said China will create an initiative for digital development of the Global South within the framework of the Global Development Initiative, with a plan to offer 200 training programs in digital economy and artificial intelligence for Global South countries over the next five years.
China welcomes all countries to attend the World Artificial Intelligence Conference to be held later in July, Li added.
Highlighting the risks of mounting uncertainties in global climate, environment and health sectors, Li said the international community should forge a broad consensus, take proactive actions and join hands to tackle common challenges.
He called on the international community to strengthen global synergy in tackling climate change, resolutely implement the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Paris Agreement, uphold the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities, and deepen cooperation in clean energy, carbon markets and other fields.
Developed countries should fulfill their commitments on climate change financing, technology transfer and other areas, Li stressed.
Li said the world should bring about more tangible outcomes in environmental and ecological protection, uphold the principle of harmonious coexistence between humanity and nature, advocate for a systematic governance approach, and better implement the Convention on Biological Diversity and the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification.
He also called for bolstering capacity building for public health systems, urging the international community to support the World Health Organization in continuing to play a coordinating role in global health governance, fully leverage platforms such as the BRICS Vaccine Research and Development Center, and provide more public goods for the Global South.
China has always honored its commitments and actively contributed to global needs within its capacity, Li said, adding that China will continue to take concrete actions, shoulder its due responsibilities, and work with all parties to promote greener, healthier and more sustainable global development.
The meeting adopted the BRICS Leaders’ Statement on the Global Governance of Artificial Intelligence and the BRICS Leaders’ Framework Declaration on Climate Finance. ■
Leaders from BRICS members and partner countries, guest countries, as well as representatives of international organizations, pose for a group photo in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, July 7, 2025. Chinese Premier Li Qiang spoke on topics including strengthening multilateralism, artificial intelligence, environment and climate change, and global health at the plenary sessions of the 17th BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro on Sunday and Monday. (Xinhua/Liu Bin)
