Xi Jinping Pushes for UN Reform and Stronger Global South Voice at BRICS Summit

Chinese President Xi Jinping used the BRICS virtual summit on Friday to deliver a forceful message calling for the reform of global governance structures, including the United Nations and its Security Council, while sharply criticizing unilateralism and trade protectionism as threats to global peace and development.

Image Source: Mao Ning

Xi’s address came amid escalating global tensions, supply chain disruptions, and increasing concern among developing countries over their marginalization in international decision-making. 

He identified the BRICS grouping--comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa--as uniquely positioned to lead the charge for a more just and equitable world order.

Call for Reformed Multilateralism

Xi underscored the growing urgency for systemic reform in global governance, pointing to “hegemonism, unilateralism, and protectionism” as destabilizing forces. 

Without naming any country directly, his remarks clearly referenced the rising wave of trade wars and tariff regimes--especially the United States under President Donald Trump, who recently imposed sweeping new tariffs on multiple economies, including BRICS members.

“The multilateral system is the shared aspiration of people and the trend of our time,” Xi said, emphasizing the need to reinforce the role of the United Nations while simultaneously advancing reforms to make the global system more inclusive, particularly for nations in the Global South.

He reiterated China’s proposal for a Global Governance Initiative, which seeks to enhance cooperation among emerging economies and rebalance international influence that has traditionally been concentrated in the West.

Pushback Against Protectionism and Tariff Wars

Xi issued a pointed critique of escalating protectionist policies and economic unilateralism, arguing that these actions undermine global stability and hamper development for the world’s poorest.

Without naming the U.S., his remarks reflected China’s growing frustration with what it sees as Washington’s abuse of trade tools for geopolitical leverage. 

Xi asserted that "economic globalization is an irreversible trend" and warned against "retreating into isolation or weaponizing trade."

China’s position aligns with earlier remarks made at the same summit by Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, who also rebuked the practice of linking trade to non-trade matters, in what was interpreted as a criticism of Trump-era trade restrictions.

Strengthening the Global South

Echoing one of the summit’s core themes, Xi emphasized that BRICS must serve as the vanguard of the Global South, representing nearly half of the world’s population and a growing share of global economic output. 

He argued for a greater role for developing countries in shaping global rules, especially at institutions like the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the World Bank, and the UN Security Council.

“We must promote greater democracy in international relations,” Xi declared, signaling China’s intent to use platforms like BRICS and the Belt and Road Initiative to amplify the voices of emerging economies.

Focus on Practical Cooperation

President Xi also called for deepening practical cooperation across key sectors--trade, finance, technology, and sustainable development. 

He reaffirmed China’s commitment to initiatives such as the Global Development Initiative (GDI) and high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, aimed at infrastructure and connectivity development across Asia, Africa, and Latin America.

In doing so, Xi presented BRICS not just as a political bloc, but as a functional partnership capable of delivering “practical benefits to our peoples” in the face of shared global risks.

Xi's Proposals at a Glance:

1. Uphold multilateralism and reform global institutions to reflect the voice of the Global South.

2. Resist protectionism and strengthen fair, inclusive international trade.

3. Foster practical cooperation among BRICS members in technology, infrastructure, and finance.

Global Context and Strategic Timing

Xi’s remarks come at a time of heightened geopolitical friction. The summit follows a record wave of drone and missile attacks on Ukraine, rising tensions in the Taiwan Strait, and growing anxiety over economic decoupling between China and Western countries.

By leading with a vision of shared development and multilateral fairness, China seeks to reposition BRICS as an anchor of global stability and an alternative to Western-dominated institutions. 

With several BRICS+ countries like Egypt, Ethiopia, and the UAE recently joining the platform, momentum appears to be shifting toward expanded cooperation among emerging powers.

Xi’s speech cements China’s role as a principal driver behind this movement, emphasizing that only through collective resilience and reform can a “shared future for humanity” be realized.