Xi Jinping touts Brics as ‘constructive force’ for global economic growth ahead of summit

After arriving in Johannesburg, Chinese president also says ties with South Africa will bring stability in a ‘turbulent world’

Leaders are expected to discuss African debt, Ukraine and expanding the bloc’s membership during three-day meeting

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Chinese President Xi Jinping is greeted by South African leader Cyril Ramaphosa at the OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg on Monday. Photo: Xinhua

Published: 8:30pm, 22 Aug 2023

Chinese President Xi Jinping called Brics a “constructive force” that contributes to global economic growth while lauding Beijing’s ties with Johannesburg, ahead of the bloc’s annual summit that begins on Tuesday.

Xi made the remarks after arriving in Johannesburg on Monday night for the meeting of emerging economies – Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. He said China’s relations with South Africa would inject greater stability into a “turbulent world”.

“As an important cooperation platform for emerging market countries and major developing countries, the Brics cooperation mechanism has become a constructive force for promoting world economic growth, improving global governance, and promoting the democratisation of international relations,” Xi said, according to Chinese state news agency Xinhua.

“It is believed that this meeting of Brics leaders will become an important milestone in the development of the Brics cooperation mechanism, and will elevate the solidarity and cooperation of developing countries to a higher level.”

Xi – who is on his second overseas trip this year – is among a slew of world leaders in Johannesburg for the three-day Brics meeting.

Xi Jinping will meet South African officials and co-chair a separate dialogue with African leaders during his visit. Photo: Xinhua

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa will host the forum as Brics chairman, with Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also attending.

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