Xi Leads Brics Charge Against Protectionism

China warned on Friday that protectionism and "bullying" were threatening the world order as leaders of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa called for joint efforts to stabilise international trade and oppose protectionism.

The leaders of Brics grouping met on the sidelines of the Group of 20 summit, also called for strengthening the role of the World Trade Organisation.

In an apparent reference to trade wars with the United States, President Xi criticised "unilateral and protectionist measures that ruin the global order" and urged the Brics countries to strengthen their joint efforts.

Russian President Vladimir Putin, whose country has been hurt by an array of the US and the EU sanctions, said at the meeting that "the international trade has suffered from protectionism, politically motivated restrictions and barriers".

Putin also emphasised the need for Brics nations to take coordinated action to help block sources of funding for terrorist groups.

He pointed at Russia's campaign in Syria, emphasising the need to rebuild the country and encourage the refugees to return.

Earlier Xi also met three of his African counterparts. A Chinese foreign ministry official Dai Bing said the meeting involved Xi, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, and Senegal President Macky Sall.

"All leaders in the meeting stressed that unilateralism, protectionism, and bullying practices are on the rise, posing severe threats to economic globalisation and international order, and severe challenges to the external environment of developing countries," he said. (AFP, AP)