Politician · organisation

Wang Yi on BRICS

Strong advocate for unity (strong)

TL;DR

Wang Yi strongly advocates for BRICS to be a leading force in reforming global governance to better reflect the Global South's will.

Key Points

  • He stated that the BRICS expansion marks a milestone, ushering in a new era of strength through unity for the Global South in January 2024.

  • He called for opposing protectionism and resolutely safeguarding the WTO-centered, rules-based multilateral trading system at the BRICS Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in April 2025.

  • He summarized that BRICS mediation experience includes no pursuit of self-interest, upholding objectivity and fairness, and adhering to a comprehensive approach to conflict resolution in April 2025.

Summary

Wang Yi positions BRICS as a critical positive constructive force on the international stage that must serve as a pillar of peace and development amidst global turbulence and transformation. He stressed that as emerging forces, the group bears a historical responsibility to advance the reform and improvement of the global governance framework, ensuring it is more effective and balances the common will of the Global South. His vision for the bloc encompasses promoting universal security based on dialogue over confrontation, actively encouraging peace talks like those for Ukraine and Gaza, and consolidating the foundation for development through safeguarding multilateral trading rules against protectionism.

He further emphasized specific areas for action, including strengthening global financial governance by advocating for reforms at the World Bank and IMF to better reflect current economic landscapes and historical injustices in representation. The foreign minister also called for realizing a green transition by upholding the Paris Agreement and deepening cooperation on low-carbon energy. In essence, Wang Yi sees the expanded BRICS as central to achieving a more just and equitable international order by upholding multilateralism and opposing power politics and double standards.

Frequently Asked Questions

Wang Yi views BRICS as an essential platform for emerging markets and developing countries that must champion multilateralism and global fairness. He consistently urges the bloc to enhance unity and take the lead in reforming global governance to better reflect the collective voice of the Global South. His message centers on cooperation, peace promotion, and development consolidation.

He advocates for reforming international financial architecture, including quota share realignment at the IMF, and safeguarding the WTO-centered trading system by opposing protectionism. Furthermore, Wang Yi calls for realizing a green transition aligned with the Paris Agreement and establishing fair, safe governance rules for cyberspace and artificial intelligence.

Yes, Wang Yi strongly supported the expansion of the BRICS mechanism, which was launched during China's 2022 chairmanship. He viewed the welcoming of new members as a milestone that adds new strength to the unity and cooperation within the developing world.

Sources9

* This is not an exhaustive list of sources.