Wang calls on BRICS to transcend Cold War mentality, uphold multilateralism

State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi called on countries to transcend the Cold War mentality and uphold true multilateralism, so as to find the greatest common denominator for universal security.

Wang made the remarks on Thursday at a BRICS foreign ministers' meeting, hosted by him in a virtual format and attended by foreign ministers of Brazil, Russia, India and South Africa. China is the chair of the BRICS this year.

Noting the Cold War mentality, bloc confrontation and power politics are on the rise, Wang said the Global Security Initiative put forward by President Xi Jinping has offered a solution to make up for peace deficit and solve the global security dilemma.

Given countries are inextricably independent, Wang said the pursuit of "absolute security" or "exclusive security" does not work while security of every country should be respected and guaranteed. The concept of indivisible security should be earnestly followed to push for building a balanced, effective and sustainable regional security framework, he added.

Countries should oppose sanctions in all forms and the long-arm jurisdiction, and choose dialogue over confrontation, consultation over intimidation, Wang said, adding they should opt for partnership and win-win outcomes instead of alliance and zero-sum games.

The meeting came amid the lingering Ukraine crisis. Wang reiterated that China's position is consistent on the issue, namely facilitating dialogue for peace.

He urged parties concerned to deescalate the conflict with concrete actions rather than add fuel to the fire. "Neither exporting weapons can bring peace for Ukraine, nor sanctions and pressure solve the European security dilemma."

"China is against weaponizing international economic and financial cooperation and intimidating other countries to pick sides," Wang said.

Wang warned the bloc confrontation provoked by the Russian-Ukraine conflict, saying it would pose serious threats to global security and stability.

The crisis is impacting the normal operation of the global trade and stability of the supply and industrial chains as well as threatening the security of global food, energy and finance, Wang said.

Efforts should be made to reduce spillover effects of the crisis, particularly to help vulnerable developing countries to overcome difficulties, Wang added. "BRICS countries should continue to uphold independence, objectivity and impartiality on the Ukraine issue to strive for peace."

Wang highlighted that BRICS countries should build consensus for and foster a favorable environment for common development.

He advocated the principle of mutual benefit and win-win and the building of an open world economy while saying such moves by certain countries to divide the world by building "small yards with high fences" and forging a "parallel system" should be rejected.

Wang stressed the need for the BRICS countries to channel positive energy towards global governance and lead the reform of global governance system.

The five countries should firmly uphold the United Nations-centered international system and the international order underpinned by the international law, he said.

Noting the global governance system needs to be improved by all countries, Wang said that no country or group has the right to seek"domination by one nation" or "co-governance by several parties", still less exclude other countries from the system by any excuse.

BRICS countries should enhance solidarity and cooperation with emerging markets and developing countries to increase their say in global governance, Wang said.

He added that China proposed to launch the process of BRICS expansion, explore the criteria and procedures for the expansion, and gradually form a consensus to show the group's openness and inclusiveness as well as achieve unity and strength.

As the world is at a critical juncture, the other four foreign ministers said strengthening solidarity and cooperation among BRICS countries is more important than ever.

They expressed support for the BRICS expansion and agreed to deepen BRICS partnership and safeguard common interests of emerging markets and developing countries.

Since China assumed the chairmanship of the BRICS, more than 50 major events have been held, which have advanced progress of BRICS' cooperation in many fields, laying the solid foundation for the upcoming the BRICS Summit.

The other four foreign ministers thought highly of positive and effective work by China as the chair of the group and expressed willingness to make positive efforts for the BRICS Summit.