Chinese Premier Li Qiang emphasized the importance of maintaining commitment to an open global economy while opposing unilateralism and protectionism during the 17th BRICS Summit. Speaking at plenary sessions held on Sunday and Monday, Li highlighted the necessity of ensuring stability and smooth operation of industrial and supply chains.
The Chinese leader also addressed topics including multilateralism strengthening, artificial intelligence development, environmental protection, climate change mitigation, and global health initiatives. The sessions brought together leaders from BRICS member states and partner countries, invited nations, and representatives from international organizations.
Li noted that the current international economic and trade order, along with the multilateral trade system, faces significant challenges, with global economic recovery remaining difficult. He stressed that expanded BRICS cooperation should remain true to its founding purpose, respond to contemporary needs, uphold and practice multilateralism, promote a fair and open international economic and trade order, unite with the Global South, and contribute more to global stability and development.
The Chinese premier affirmed that expanded BRICS cooperation should uphold fundamental principles of the World Trade Organization and promote trade and investment liberalization and facilitation.
Highlighting the establishment of China’s Special Economic Zone Cooperation Development Center for BRICS countries this year, Li expressed China’s willingness to work with all parties to jointly build a cooperation network.
He called for continued commitment to strengthening international financial cooperation, supporting the expansion and consolidation of the New Development Bank, and welcoming qualified Global South countries to invest in China’s financial markets.
Li also urged progress in reviewing World Bank capital and adjusting International Monetary Fund quotas, calling for increased representation and voice for developing countries.
He emphasized that expanded BRICS cooperation should create new economic growth spaces, proposing collaboration in emerging sectors such as digital and green economies, allowing artificial intelligence to drive industrial transformation, benefit households, and enhance Global South countries’ capabilities.
China will launch a Global South Digital Development Initiative under the Global Development Initiative framework, offering 200 digital economy and artificial intelligence training programs for Global South countries over the next five years.
China welcomes all countries to attend the World Artificial Intelligence Conference to be held at the end of July, Li added.
Regarding increasing risks in climate, environmental, and global health domains, Li called for global consensus-building, proactive actions, and joint efforts to address common challenges.
He urged strengthening global synergy in combating climate change, firmly implementing the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Paris Agreement, maintaining the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities, and deepening cooperation in clean energy, carbon markets, and related sectors.
Developed countries, he emphasized, must fulfill their commitments regarding climate financing and technology transfer.
Li also called for tangible achievements in environmental protection, advocating harmonious coexistence between humans and nature, promoting systematic governance, and better implementing the Convention on Biological Diversity and the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification.
Regarding public health, the premier urged strengthening health system capacities, supporting the World Health Organization’s coordinating role in global health governance, utilizing platforms like the BRICS Vaccine Research and Development Center, and providing more global public goods to the Global South.
China, he stated, has consistently fulfilled its commitments and actively contributed to global needs within its capabilities. He added that China will continue acting responsibly and working with all parties to promote greener, healthier, and more sustainable global development.
The summit adopted the BRICS Leaders’ Declaration on Artificial Intelligence Global Governance and the BRICS Leaders’ Framework Declaration on Climate Financing.