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Chinese Premier Li Qiang said Sunday that BRICS countries should strive to become the vanguard in advancing the reform of global governance.

Li made the remarks when addressing the plenary session of "Peace and Security and Reform of Global Governance" of the 17th BRICS Summit, calling on the bloc to safeguard world peace and tranquility, and promote the peaceful settlement of disputes.

Leaders of BRICS countries attended the meeting, which was presided by Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.

Li said at present, changes unseen in a century are unfolding at an accelerated pace, international rules and order are being severely challenged, and the authority and efficacy of multilateral institutions continue to wane.

The vision of global governance put forward by Chinese President Xi Jinping, characterized by extensive consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits, has been further demonstrating its contemporary value and practical significance, Li said.

In face of growing conflicts and differences, it is needed to enhance extensive consultation based on equality and mutual respect; In face of deeply intertwined common interests, it is needed to pursue joint contribution through solidarity; In face of mutually beneficial development opportunities, it is needed to hold an open mind to seek mutual success and shared benefits, said Li.

As the leading force of the Global South, BRICS countries should uphold independence and self-reliance, demonstrate a sense of responsibility, and play a greater role in building consensus and synergies, Li noted.

The Chinese premier called on the group to hold fast to morality and justice, and seek fundamental solutions based on the merits of each issue.

BRICS countries should also focus on development and bolster the drivers of economic growth, said Li, adding that they should actively spearhead development cooperation and tap into the growth potential of emerging sectors.

Noting that China will establish a China-BRICS research center on new quality productive forces this year, Li also announced a scholarship established for BRICS countries to facilitate talent cultivation in sectors including industry and telecommunication.

It is essential for BRICS countries to foster inclusiveness and advance exchanges and mutual learning among civilizations, Li said, calling on the countries to act as advocates for the harmonious coexistence of civilizations, striving to ensure diverse civilizations flourish together through mutual reinforcement.

China stands ready to join hands with other BRICS countries to promote global governance in a more just, equitable, efficient and orderly direction, working collectively to build a better world, he said.

The leaders of countries participating in the meeting noted that the BRICS cooperation mechanism has continued to grow stronger and more representative, with its international influence rising steadily.

It has provided an important platform for Global South countries to defend their right to development, uphold international fairness and justice, and participate in the reform of the global governance system, they said.

In an increasingly turbulent world where unilateralism and protectionism are on the rise, they said, BRICS countries should enhance solidarity and coordination, defend the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, uphold and practice multilateralism, and make greater contribution to promoting common development, improving global governance, and fostering lasting peace and prosperity in the world.

The meeting adopted the Rio de Janeiro Declaration of the 17th BRICS Summit.

Chinese Premier Li Qiang on Monday called for commitment to building an open world economy, and urged the importance of opposing unilateralism and protectionism.

In his remarks addressing the plenary sessions of the 17th BRICS Summit, Li also stressed the need to maintain the stability and smoothness of industrial and supply chains.

Facing an intertwined international situation, China and Europe should enhance communication, understanding, and mutual trust to become "anchors of stability" for the world and be reliable and strong partners that achieve mutual success, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said during a meeting with Belgium's Prime Minister Bart de Wever in Brussels on Monday.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, is visiting Europe from June 30 to July 6, at the invitation of High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy of the EU Kaja Kallas, Federal Foreign Minister of Germany Johann Wadephul, and Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of France Jean-Noël Barrot.

Wang said that Belgium is a founding member of the European Union and the location of its headquarters, playing a unique role in the process of European integration and in relations between China and Europe. China appreciates the new Belgian government's rational and pragmatic policy toward China and is willing to promote the traditional friendship with Belgium and to push the all-round partnership of friendship and cooperation between the two countries to continue moving forward steadily. 

Insisting on high-quality development and a high level of opening up, China welcomes more Belgian enterprises to develop in the country and hopes that Belgium will also provide a fair, safe, and predictable business environment for Chinese companies investing in Belgium, Wang noted.

Wang noted that 2025 marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Europe, which is of significant importance for carrying forward the past and ushering in the future. "The half-century of exchanges between China and Europe fully proves that both sides can fully respect each other and achieve win-win cooperation," Wang said.

Wang emphasized that facing today's intertwined international situation, China and Europe, as two major global forces, markets, and civilizations, should strengthen communication, enhancing understanding, and consolidating mutual trust to jointly uphold multilateralism and the free trade system. China and Europe should be "anchors of stability" for the world and be reliable and strong partners that achieve mutual success.

De Wever said that Belgium and China have a long history of exchanges with active local friendly exchanges, which played a gateway role in Europe-China cooperation. He said that having visited China several times, he has been deeply impressed by China's development achievements. Although Europe and China have different perspectives, in the face of the current complex geopolitical situation, both sides should strengthen exchanges and enhance mutual trust, De Wever said.

De Wever said that Belgium firmly believes in multilateralism, supports Europe in strengthening its autonomy, and looks forward to positive outcomes from the meeting of European and Chinese leaders. He emphasized that the Belgian government firmly adheres to the one China policy and will not change this stance.

The two sides also exchanged views concerning the situation in Ukraine.

Premier of the State Council Li Qiang will attend the 17th BRICS Summit upon invitation in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil from July 5 to 8, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning announced at a regular press conference on Wednesday.

When asked about China's expectations for the BRICS Summit, Mao said the BRICS cooperation mechanism offers the most important platform for the solidarity and cooperation among emerging markets and developing countries in the world. It's an important force for realizing an equal and orderly multipolar world and a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization.

Mao noted that this will be the first summit after the new member Indonesia, and 10 partner countries joined BRICS. Multiple emerging markets, developing countries, and international and regional organizations are invited to the summit. 

China looks forward to working with all parties to consolidate the BRICS strategic partnership, make due contributions to safeguarding multilateralism, promoting common development and improving global governance, and advance the high-quality development of greater BRICS cooperation, Mao added.

Initially comprised of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, the recently expanded BRICS now also includes Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, according to the official BRICS 2025 website. The grouping has evolved into a platform for South-South cooperation and political coordination.

Based on the Johannesburg Declaration, the 2024 Kazan Summit approved the creation of a BRICS partner country category, which now includes Belarus, Bolivia, Cuba, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Nigeria, Thailand, Uganda, Uzbekistan, and most recently, Vietnam.

Experts noted that the expanded format reflects BRICS' rising capacity to represent the Global South. This year's meeting is expected to offer broader representation and a stronger voice for developing nations amid challenges to multilateralism and international cooperation, they added.

"This summit marks the first full gathering of the '11 members+10 partners' BRICS family. Within this new system, developing countries will no longer be the silent majority but a vital force in global governance," Wang Youming, Director of the Institute of Developing Countries at the China Institute of International Studies, told the Global Times on Wednesday.

Growing voice

The inclusion of Indonesia as a full member and Vietnam as a partner country further strengthens BRICS' representativeness and influence. The enlarged grouping spans Asia, Africa, Latin America, and the Middle East, representing nearly half of the global population and about 30 percent of global GDP, contributing over 50 percent of global economic growth, according to an article published on People's Daily Wednesday.

''Joining BRICS cooperation is good for Vietnam's development and the common interest of BRICS countries and the Global South. Having a new partner country in the BRICS family symbolizes the BRICS' growing representativeness, appeal and impact,'' Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said on June 16.

China stands ready to work with other BRICS members and partner countries for a closer and more all-round, result-oriented and inclusive partnership, advance high-quality greater BRICS cooperation, and contribute more to defending multilateralism and global fairness and justice and advocating common development, Guo added.

Ali El-Hefny, Vice President of the Egypt-China Friendship Association and former Egyptian Deputy Foreign Minister, noted BRICS' increasing influence and its critical role in promoting South-South cooperation and common development, the People's Daily reported.

Against a backdrop of frequent geopolitical conflicts and disruptions to the international trade order, BRICS' role in articulating the voice of developing nations has never been more critical, Wang said.

"From the perspectives of economic scale, population, and political representation, BRICS surpasses regional groupings like the G7. It is therefore vital for BRICS to speak with one voice in confronting trade protectionism, geopolitical tensions, and climate change," Wang added.

On June 24, BRICS issued a Joint Statement on the Escalation of the Security Situation in the Middle East Following the Military Strikes on the Territory of the Islamic Republic of Iran, calling on all parties to use existing channels of dialogue and diplomacy, with a view to de-escalate the situation and resolving their differences through peaceful means, which according to experts, demonstrates BRICS' unified voice on global peace and governance. 

Emerging challenges

The 2025 summit is also expected to address key global issues, including the governance of artificial intelligence (AI). According to the BRICS official website, the bloc seeks to improve the legitimacy, equity in participation, and efficiency of global institutions such as the UN, IMF, World Bank, and WTO, while bolstering sustainable social and economic development and promote social inclusion, said the BRICS website.

Brazil, as the current BRICS Chair, has outlined two strategic priorities: Global South Cooperation and BRICS Partnerships for Social, Economic, and Environmental Development. According to the International Institute for Sustainable Development, Brazil's agenda includes six key areas: global health, trade and finance, climate change, AI governance, peace and security, and institutional development.

Chen Fengying, a research fellow at the China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations, told the Global Times on Wednesday that green development, green finance, and AI will be key areas of discussion during the summit. 

"On the future of emerging industries, the Global South will establish its own rules and voice. BRICS will play a pivotal role, with China, as a leading player in these sectors, expected to take the lead," Chen said.

In response to a media enquiry regarding whether China agrees to become a signatory to the Southeast Asia Nuclear Weapon-Free Zone Treaty (SEANWFZ) along with Russia, and if so, why China has made this decision now, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said on Thursday that as ASEAN's comprehensive strategic partner and friendly neighbor, China has always firmly supported the establishment of a Southeast Asia Nuclear Weapon-Free Zone. 

China and Russia have agreed to become signatories to the SEANWFZ, while the US is currently reviewing the treaty before signing, said Malaysian Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan, as reported by Malaysian National News Agency Bernama.

Mohamad said the involvement of superpowers in the treaty would help preserve Southeast Asia as a region of peace, free of nuclear weapons, per Bernama.

"We have repeatedly made it clear that we are willing to be the first to sign the treaty. China is willing to continue communicating with ASEAN members regarding the signing of the protocol," Mao said.

In response to some Australian media outlets recently hyping China-related remarks made by Fiji's Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka while he was answering reporters' questions at the National Press Club of Australia, the Chinese Embassy in Fiji said in a statement on Thursday that the claims about "China setting up a military base in the Pacific" are false narratives. They are baseless and driven by ulterior motives.  

Some media outlet, including Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC), has highlighted Fiji's Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka's remarks on "not welcome" any Chinese military bases in the region in the headline. While in the news, ABC also noted that Rabuka told the Press Club that he didn't believe China was actively looking for a military base in Pacific. 

The Embassy noticed that Prime Minister Rabuka said he did not believe that China needs a base in the Pacific. The claims about "China setting up a military base in the Pacific" are false narratives. They are baseless and driven by ulterior motives, said the spokesperson. 

China's presence in the Pacific is focused on building roads and bridges to improve people's livelihoods, not on stationing troops or setting up military bases. Never has China stirred up any dispute in the Pacific Region, violated any inch of land from Pacific Island Countries, or signed any agreement that forced Pacific Island Countries to sacrifice their sovereignty, according to the spokesperson. 

China remains firmly committed to the international nuclear non-proliferation regime with the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons as the cornerstone and to the Pacific Nuclear Free Zone Treaty. We firmly support Pacific Island Countries in playing a bigger role in regional and international affairs, and will maintain communication with Pacific Island Countries on major international and regional hotspot issues to make positive contributions to the peace and stability of the Pacific region, said the Embassy spokesperson. 

China and Fiji are comprehensive strategic partners, and security cooperation is part of our bilateral relations. China applauds Prime Minister Rabuka's vision for the Pacific as an "Ocean of Peace", and is committed to work with Fiji in contributing to peace and security in the region and beyond, said the Embassy spokesperson. 

The spokesperson of the Embassy emphasizes that the Pacific Ocean is large enough to accommodate win-win cooperation among all countries. China sincerely calls on relevant parties to avoid viewing China-Fiji and China-Pacific Island Countries relations through the narrow lens of geopolitical games, hyping up the so-called threats of geopolitical competition in the region, forcing Pacific Island Countries to "take sides", and imposing their own interests on these countries. Instead, we urge them to do more concrete things that contribute to the development of Pacific Island Countries and the well-being of the people.

Over the past 20 years, the pace of equal and mutually beneficial bilateral cooperation between China and Pacific island countries has accelerated, which has caused unease and dissatisfaction among Western countries. They are attempting to use such propaganda tactic to drive a wedge between Pacific island nations and China — a common tactic of diplomatic blackmail they employ, Yu Lei, a professor from the Department of International Politics and Economics at Shandong University, told the Global Times. 

China has always developed its relations with island countries based on the principles of peaceful coexistence and equality and mutual benefit, and has no intention of escalating military tensions in the region, said Yu.

In the statement, the spokesperson also said that the Embassy noticed Prime Minister Rabuka commented that China stood with Fiji when Australia turned away. He remarked that Fiji and China respect each other's sovereignty and we have not had any intrusion into our sovereign space.

China has no interest in geopolitical competition, or seeking the so-called "sphere of influence." There is no political strings attached to China's assistance, no imposing one's will onto others, and no empty promises. China advocates for all countries to uphold Pacific Island Countries' autonomy in making decisions, putting development first, and staying open and inclusive when developing relations with Pacific Island Countries, said the spokesperson. 

China always believes that the Pacific is the homeland of the people of Pacific Island Countries, not the backyard of big powers outside the region. The Pacific is a stage for cooperation, not a battlefield for vicious competition. It makes no sense to view China's sincere help to Pacific Island Countries from the narrow perspective of geo-competition, said the spokesperson.

Forcing Pacific Island Countries to "choose sides" can never address the urgent demands for development of the people from the Pacific Island Countries, nor the common threat of climate change to mankind, said the spokesperson. 

At nearly 30 hours and 20,000 kilometers away from Beijing, Buenos Aires in Argentina is one of the furthest destinations in the world from the Chinese capital. In a popular 2024 stand-up comedy show, Yan Hexiang, a Chinese actor and crosstalk performer, humorously pointed out that the antipodal point to Beijing is located in the Pampas grasslands of Argentina. However, the distance between Argentina and China doesn't seem so far. Just about 38 kilometers from Ministro Pistarini International Airport in Buenos Aires, is a largely commercial section about five blocks long in the district of Belgrano, where a towering Chinese-style archway greets you, inscribed with the words "China Town."

The Global Times has visited many "Chinatowns" around the world, including those in Washington, London, and Nagasaki. However, Buenos Aires' "Chinatown" is quite different from the rest. This is immediately apparent upon entry: On a Sunday evening, the streets bustle with activity, restaurants have long wait times, and shops attend to numerous customers. Upon closer inspection, the Global Times noticed that non-Chinese diners and shoppers actually outnumber Chinese ones.

In Chinese, the word "foreigner" is used to refer to anyone who is not Chinese, therefore within the context of Buenos Aires, it is used to refer to non-Chinese locals. In many other "Chinatowns" in the world, Chinese nationals are surrounded by their own, and while the occasional less-than-authentic Chinese cuisine might remind them that "this is not China," the presence of Chinese nationals gives a sense of belonging. In contrast, in Buenos Aires' "Chinatown," surrounded by countless local faces, the "Chinese nationals" seem more like visitors passing through.

Famous Chinese hotpot restaurant brands like Little Sheep Mongolian Hot Pot, Shoo Loong Kan Hot Pot, and Haidilao Hot Pot, commonly found in American "Chinatowns," are conspicuously absent. However, Chinese culture, cuisine, and products are everywhere, and even bubble tea has become a favorite among the youth in the "Chinatown." A capybara in a shop window observes the comings and goings, much like its counterpart in the trendy toy area of Chaoyang district's Joy City mall in Beijing, 20,000 kilometers away.
In addition to Chinese elements, graffiti in the style of Japanese animator, filmmaker, and manga artist Hayao Miyazaki features the Chinese characters for "Visited Here," and posters of South Korean idols appear in shop windows, indicating that this "Chinatown" not only spreads Chinese culture but also incorporates East Asian elements. A few steps further, a street magician interacts with the audience, with a prominent image of "Guanyin" on the wall behind him, as if everything before us is being witnessed by the bodhisattva.
Why are there so many "foreigners" in Buenos Aires' "Chinatown"? Locals provided various answers. Most people's first response was that "Chinatown" is an important social media hotspot in Buenos Aires. If you plan a day trip to the city, this is a must-visit location. "You visited on the last day of a long weekend, so of course, there were many people shopping and dining; people love going to Chinatown," a local Chinese national told the Global Times.

Another local explained that unlike many other "Chinatowns," Buenos Aires' "Chinatown" has a significant number of Chinese residents, but it is not the main gathering place for the local Chinese community. With its trendy atmosphere, it naturally attracts a lot of young people, making the "foreigners" seem particularly popular.

What is it that attracts so many "foreigners" to this "Chinatown"? "Chinese cuisine" topped the list of mentions, with Chinese products and culture also frequently cited among those interviewed by the Global Times. "Yufu" is a relatively authentic Cantonese restaurant in Buenos Aires' "Chinatown," where Chinese food is on the pricier side compared to local dining options. Yet even at 2:10 pm on Sunday, the restaurant was still packed, and the number of Chinese diners was visibly less than half of all patrons.

"Exquisite, compact, and easy to explore," said Nora, director of a research company in Buenos Aires, when asked about the "Chinatown". She added, "I love the dim sum in 'Chinatown'; I enjoy the exotic atmosphere there. The shop owners are very friendly, and the products are diverse; you can find many things you want in one store."

Liu Jialong, a 19-year-old local of Chinese descent, told the Global Times that "Buenos Aires also has a 'Koreantown,' which is only one street and much smaller than 'Chinatown.' It used to be very popular, but its popularity has declined. In contrast, 'Chinatown' is booming now."

If China were not becoming stronger and developing so rapidly, would people be increasingly interested in China? he asked.

On the diplomatic front, the Milei administration made some comments about China that were deemed newsworthy by some Western media outlets before taking office. However, Argentines, including scholars and businesspeople, that the Global Times reporter met here during the trip place great importance on China-Argentina relations. China is Latin America's second-largest trading partner and holds the top position in several countries. In a recent survey released by the Global Times Institute (GTI), in collaboration with the Latin American Council of Social Sciences (CLACSO) and the China-Latin America Education and Culture Center, on the "China-LAC mutual perception" conducted in both regions found that the most prominent impression left by China on Latin Americans was "technology." When asked to fill in keywords that represent their primary impressions of China, a Gen Z respondent from Argentina mentioned "DeepSeek."
Of all those interviewed by the Global Times, Wu Ditai, a young Argentine scholar who studied at Peking University, was the most knowledgeable about China. Watching him mimic the distinct drawl common among Beijing's taxi drivers was as impressive as it was comedic.

"It's not just 'Chinatown'; if you look deeper, Argentines are very curious about China. They want to know why China is developing so quickly and what experiences Argentina can learn from," Wu Ditai said. He has plans to return to China soon and hopes to travel across all provinces to gain a deeper understanding of the country.

Of course, the reality is that many Argentines do not have a sufficient understanding of China. Most of their information comes from the media, especially Western media sources and social media.

An Argentine journalist told the Global Times that while there is considerable coverage of China in local media, the current lack of understanding among Argentines about China is unlikely to change in the short term.

"'China Travel' is a trending topic now, and Argentina has visa-free access. The real China is right there, and everyone is welcomed to learn about it," the Global Times told Wu Ditai.

Six years ago, tour guide Brenden Miles was traveling down the Kinabatangan River in the Malaysian part of Borneo, when he spotted an odd-looking primate he had never seen before. He snapped a few pictures of the strange monkey and, on reaching home, checked his images.

“At first, I thought it could be a morph of the silvered leaf monkey,” meaning a member of the species with rare color variation, Miles says. But then he noticed other little details. “Its nose was long like that of a proboscis monkey, and its tail was thicker than that of a silvered leaf [monkey],” he says. He posted a picture of the animal on Facebook and forgot all about it.

Now, an analysis of that photo and others suggests that the “mystery monkey” is a hybrid of two distantly related primate species that share the same fragmented habitat.
The putative offspring was produced when a male proboscis monkey (Nasalis larvatus) mated with a female silvered leaf monkey (Trachypithecus cristatus), researchers suggest April 26 in the International Journal of Primatology. And that conclusion has the scientists worried about the creature’s parent species.

Hybridization between closely related organisms has been observed in captivity and occasionally in the wild (SN: 7/23/21). “But hybridization across genera, that’s very rare,” says conservation practitioner Ramesh Boonratana, the regional vice-chair for Southeast Asia for the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s primate specialist group.

Severe habitat loss, fragmentation and degradation caused by expanding palm oil plantations along the Kinabatangan River could explain how the possible hybrid came to be, says primatologist Nadine Ruppert.

“Different species — even from the same genus — when they share a habitat, they may interact with each other, but they may usually not mate. This kind of cross-genera hybridization happens only when there is some ecological pressure,” says Ruppert, of the Universiti Sains Malaysia in Penang Island.

The state of Sabah, where Kinabatangan River is located, lost about 40 percent of its forest cover from 1973 to 2010, with logging and palm oil plantations being the main drivers of deforestation, a study in 2014 found.
“In certain areas, both [monkey] species are confined to small forest fragments along the river,” Ruppert says. This leads to competition for food, mates and other resources. “The animals cannot disperse and, in this case, the male of the larger species — the proboscis monkey — can easily displace the male silvered leaf monkey.”

Since 2016, there have been some more documented sightings of the mystery monkey, though these have been sporadic. The infrequent sightings and the COVID-19 pandemic has, for now, prevented researchers from gathering fecal samples for genetic analysis to reveal the monkey’s identity. Instead, Ruppert and colleagues compared images of the possible hybrid with those of the parent species, both visually as well as by using limb ratios. “If the individual was from one of the two parent species, all its measurements would be similar to that of one species,” Ruppert says. “But that is not the case with this animal.”

A photograph of a male proboscis monkey mating with a female silvered leaf monkey, along with anecdotes from boat operators and tour guides about a single male proboscis monkey hanging around a troop of female silvered leaf monkeys, has added further weight to the researchers’ conclusion.

The mystery monkey is generating a lot of excitement in the area, but Ruppert is concerned for the welfare of both proposed parent species. The International Union for Conservation of Nature classifies proboscis monkeys as endangered and silvered leaf monkeys as vulnerable. “The hybrid is gorgeous, but we don’t want to see more of them,” Ruppert says. “Both species should have a large enough habitat, dispersal opportunities and enough food to conduct their natural behaviors in the long term.”

Increasing habitat loss or fragmentation in Borneo and elsewhere as a result of changing land uses or climate change could lead to more instances of mating — or at least, attempts at mating — between species or even genera, Boonratana says.

The mystery monkey was last photographed in September of 2020 with swollen breasts and holding a baby, suggesting that the animal is a fertile female. That’s another surprising development, the researchers say, because most hybrids tend to be sterile.