Chinese President Xi Jinping delivered a major address, titled “Enhancing Solidarity and Cooperation To Overcome Risks and Challenges And Jointly Build a Better World,” to the closing ceremony of the BRICS Business Forum on Aug. 22. His complete remarks at posted to the Foreign Ministry website. (https://www.fmprc.gov.cn/mfa_eng/zxxx_662805/202308/t20230823_11130506.html) Excerpts follow:
“Right now, changes in the world, in our times and in history are unfolding in ways like never before, bringing human society to a critical juncture. Should we pursue cooperation and integration, or just succumb to division and confrontation? Should we work together to maintain peace and stability, or just sleepwalk into the abyss of a new Cold War?
“Ten years ago, I made a proposition of building a community with a shared future for mankind, calling on all countries to build this planet we all call home into a harmonious family. In the face of high winds, choppy waters and even treacherous storms, we in all countries need to uphold the correct views of the world, of history and of our overall interests, and act to translate the vision of a community with a shared future for mankind into reality.
“We need to promote development and prosperity for all.… But some country, obsessed with maintaining its hegemony, has gone out of its way to cripple the EMDCs [emerging markets and developing countries]. Whoever is developing fast becomes its target of containment; whoever is catching up becomes its target of obstruction. But this is futile, as I have said more than once that blowing out others’ lamp will not bring light to oneself. Every country has the right to development, and the people in every country have the freedom to pursue a happy life.
