The spokesman noted that the foreign ministers and representatives of the group’s member countries meeting in Rio de Janeiro expressed concern about the rise of unilateralism and protectionism, including measures such as the widespread increase in tariffs and non-tariff barriers, which according to the participants could fragment global supply chains and increase global economic uncertainty.

Guo highlighted the group’s call to adopt measures to protect free trade and strengthen the multilateral trading system.

“The international community observes that the Global South, represented by the BRICS countries, has emerged as a progressive and just force driving the democratization of international relations,” Guo stated, noting that this year marks the 80th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations, hence the importance of reaffirming the UN’s central role in the international system.

During the BRICS foreign ministers’ summit, the representatives of their respective countries also condemned any unilateral attempts to undermine multilateral institutions. However, the meeting ended without a joint declaration, although Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira asserted that there was consensus to oppose the global tariff war.

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