President's speech shows China is a responsible global player

Xi's address to 13th BRICS Summit a blueprint for bloc, top diplomat says

President Xi Jinping's speech at the 13th BRICS Summit showed China is honoring its responsibilities as a major global player by promoting international cooperation to fight the COVID-19 pandemic and taking practical measures to ensure accessible and affordable vaccines, a senior Chinese diplomat said.

Vice-Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu made the remark at a news briefing on Thursday after Xi addressed the summit via video link in Beijing. In order to enhance global vaccine cooperation and realize the equitable access of vaccines for all, Xi announced, China will donate an additional 100 million COVID-19 vaccine doses to developing countries by the end of the year to contribute further to global cooperation to battle the pandemic.

At a crucial time when the world is faced with the pandemic and challenges not seen in a century, Ma said that Xi's participation in the meeting helped draw a blueprint for BRICS cooperation and gave directions for global efforts to fight the virus and promote global economic recovery. BRICS is a bloc that consists of five developing countries: Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.

As the pandemic accelerated changes to the international landscape, some countries have played "small clique" politics and engaged in unilateralism disguised as multilateralism, Ma said.

However, Xi's call for true multilateralism, which includes adhering to the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter and safeguarding the UN-centered international system, added more stability in a world full of uncertainties.

In the New Delhi Declaration adopted by the summit, leaders also reiterated their belief that effective and representative multilateralism is essential for enhancing resilience against current and future global challenges, promoting people's well-being and building a sustainable future for the planet.

Speaking of Xi's approach of promoting common development, Ma said it not only gave directions for the world to realize stronger, greener and healthier development after the pandemic, but also boosted the confidence of all countries, especially emerging economies and developing nations, to implement the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

The vice-minister also said that as the bellwether for emerging market countries, BRICS plays a vital role in facilitating global recovery and narrowing the development divide.

Xi's proposals of strengthening unity and further enhancing cooperation among BRICS members will help ensure the long-term and stable development of cooperation within the bloc, Ma added.

In his speech, Xi said that in the current circumstances, it is important for BRICS countries to keep their resolve, strengthen unity and further enhance the quality of practical cooperation.

He proposed strengthening BRICS cooperation in the areas of the economy, policy, security and people-to-people exchanges.

China will work with other BRICS countries to implement all the proposals reached during the summit, Ma said.

mojingxi@chinadaily.com.cn