Xi Jinping Urges BRICS to Stand United Against Protectionism
At the virtual BRICS summit hosted by Brazil on September 8, 2025, China’s President Xi Jinping delivered a forceful message advocating for a robust multilateral trading system. He emphasized that unilateral trade wars and protectionist policies undermine the global economy particularly impacting developing nations and called for BRICS members to collaborate in resisting these trends. This comes amid an accelerating retreat from global cooperation, making BRICS a vital platform for pushing back against protectionism and fostering resilience.
Xi’s Key Points
He denounced unilateral trade wars and protectionist pressures.
Advocated for strengthening cooperation in trade, finance, technology, and broader economic initiatives among BRICS.
Emphasized that the bloc’s unity and combined strengths strengthen its position amid global economic fragmentation.
Why It Matters
Xi’s speech underscores China’s leadership role in positioning BRICS not merely as a regional coalition but as a global counterbalance to rising trade tensions. Deeper coordination especially in finance and trade can help shield BRICS economies from external shocks and reduce reliance on Western-dominated systems.
India & Brazil Echo Xi: BRICS Must Ramp Up Integration
Reinforcing Xi’s Call
During the same summit, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar wholeheartedly backed Xi’s call by:
Lula stressing that intensified trade and financial integration would help BRICS members counter global protectionism, even denouncing practices he labeled “tariff blackmail.”
Jaishankar highlighting the need to help member states reduce trade deficits, advocating a fair, open, and nondiscriminatory global trading framework.
Implications
The alignment of major BRICS leaders behind Xi’s message amplifies the bloc’s unified stance especially those with the deepest grievances against rising global tariffs. Their consensus indicates potential momentum toward:
Enhancing intra-BRICS trade.
Coordinating economic strategies.
Establishing mechanisms to mitigate external trade shocks.
Summary
Xi Jinping called for strengthened unity among BRICS countries to push back against protectionism and foster multilateral trade, finance, and technology cooperation.
Brazil and India echoed his stance, emphasizing integration and fair trade practices.
Rising concerns about trade barriers are galvanizing BRICS members toward closer economic alignment and collective resilience.
