China’s President Xi Jinping has affirmed that China will continue to pursue an independent foreign policy while working towards building a shared future for mankind, stating that Beijing is standing “on the right side of history”. Speaking at the BRICS Business Forum in South Africa, Xi emphasized that China has no interest in engaging in major-power competition or engaging in hegemonism.
While Xi is attending the 15th BRICS summit in Johannesburg, he did not personally attend the BRICS Business Forum, and his speech was read by Beijing’s commerce minister, Wang Wentao. During his address, Xi emphasized China’s commitment to a peaceful and independent foreign policy, with the goal of creating a community with a shared future for all nations. He also emphasized that China is open to cooperation with any country that wishes to engage with them.
Xi stated, “China stands firmly on the right side of history, and believes that a just cause should be pursued for the common good.” He asserted that China’s DNA does not contain any elements of hegemonism, and that it is committed to promoting prosperity and development for all members of the international community.
In apparent reference to the United States, Xi argued that a certain country obsessed with maintaining its hegemony has gone out of its way to hinder the development of emerging markets and developing countries (EMDCs). He further claimed that any attempts to contain these developing countries would be futile, as the collective rise of EMDCs is fundamentally changing the global landscape. Xi highlighted that EMDCs have contributed up to 80% of global growth over the past two decades.
Xi also emphasized the need to expand BRICS, which currently includes Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, welcoming over 20 countries that are interested in joining the BRICS cooperation mechanism. He expressed China’s hope to see more countries becoming part of the group.
Russian President Vladimir Putin, who addressed the BRICS summit through a video link, echoed Xi’s sentiments, stating that Moscow is against any form of hegemony and the notion of exceptionalism promoted by certain nations. Putin emphasized that the goal of BRICS members is the formation of a multipolar world order that is truly just and based on international law.
As the BRICS summit continues, leaders from these countries are discussing ways to strengthen cooperation and promote shared development among their nations. By affirming their commitment to an independent foreign policy and rejecting the notion of hegemony, China and Russia are signaling their stance on global issues and advocating for a more inclusive and balanced international order.
Source link
