Chinese president: 'Imposition of sanctions will eventually affect the whole world'

Chinese President Xi Jinping said Wednesday via videoconference at the opening ceremony of the BRICS Business Forum that "those who politicize" and take advantage of their position with "the act of imposing sanctions" will end up affecting "people all over the world," according to Chinese official media.

In the opening speech, Xi stressed that the war in Ukraine, which Beijing does not call as such in its constant ambiguity with the conflict, is "sounding the alarm of humanity," and he is concerned about the drift that the rest of the countries may take "at the expense of others."

"In confronting turmoil and instability in the world, we must firmly bear in mind the original aspiration of the UN Charter, as well as our mission to promote peace," said Xi, who called for joint efforts to safeguard peace.

Xi reiterated that "bloc confrontations" go against peace and bring "war and conflict", at a time when the Asian country sees the US seeking alliances among its neighbors.

The President also said that global development should be oriented "towards a new era", specifying that "the aspirations of the people and the interests of the international community" should be those that guide all countries.

As in previous speeches, the President stressed the need for the whole world to stand united in the face of difficulties and advocate the "mutual benefit" on which Beijing bases its international relations.

Faced with the hindering of supply and industrial chains, fluctuating commodity prices and inflation, Xi called for "removing all barriers that impede the development of productive forces to promote the sound development of globalization."

"All people are worried about whether the world economy will fall into the quagmire of crises," Xi mentioned, adding that "at this crucial time, only united in solidarity and cooperation can we overcome economic crises."

That is why the Chinese leader urged to "make efforts" to improve global economic governance by giving "voice and representation to emerging markets and developing countries", of which the BRICS are the highest representatives and whose forum will be inaugurated tomorrow.

In his speech, he again stressed respect for WTO rules and called for "defending the multilateral trading system" in pursuit of an open world economy.