Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul added a musical touch to diplomacy during his official visit to Beijing by performing a classic song for Chinese Premier Li Qiang at a formal state lunch. The performance, accompanied by piano, received warm applause from guests and highlighted the Thai leader’s unique approach to cultural diplomacy. The moment follows several of his musical appearances during official visits across Asia, where he has combined music with international engagement.


Thai Prime Minister sings classic song for Chinese Premier Li Qiang during Beijing state lunch

Chinese leader Xi Jinping urged "more voices" to end the Ukraine war and a ceasefire in Gaza, as he conducted a state visit to Brazil's capital, Chinese state media said.

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva echoed those points as he met with Xi in a red-carpet welcome in Brasilia, and stressed a joint roadmap for peace in Ukraine that they are proposing.

"In a world plagued by armed conflicts and political strife, China and Brazil put peace, diplomacy and dialogue first," Lula said.

Xi said he wanted to see "more voices committed to peace to pave the way for a political solution to the Ukraine crisis," the Chinese state news agency Xinhua reported.

He also called for "a ceasefire and an end to the war at an early date" in Gaza, the agency said.

On Ukraine, the China-Brazil roadmap for mediating peace has been endorsed by Russia -- which is China's ally -- but rejected by Kyiv and its Western backers.

The Chinese president's appeal for a halt to fighting in Gaza -- where Israel is pressing an offensive against Hamas -- echoed one he and the other G20 leaders made during a summit held Monday and Tuesday in Rio.

That summit's joint statement called for a "comprehensive" ceasefire in both Gaza and Lebanon, where Israel is also waging an offensive against the Iran-backed Hezbollah group.

On Wednesday, the UN Security Council held a vote on a resolution calling for "an immediate, unconditional and permanent ceasefire" in Gaza, but it was vetoed by Israel's ally the United States.

<h2>China filling 'vacuum'</h2>

Xi's state visit to Brasilia showcased closer relations between the biggest economies in Asia and Latin America, which analysts said also reflected shrinking US influence.

The two leaders signed 35 cooperation accords on areas including agriculture, trade, technology and environmental protection.

Xi said China-Brazil relations "are at their best in history" and the two countries are now "reliable friends," according to Xinhua.

Lula said he believed the growing Brazil-China ties "will exceed all expectations and pave the way for a new phase of bilateral relations."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-fires-uk-made-storm-shadow-missiles-at-russia-for-first-time-777761">Ukraine fires UK-made Storm Shadow missiles at Russia for the first time</a>

He added that he looked forward to welcoming Xi to Brazil again next July for a BRICS summit.

The Chinese leader figured prominently at the G20 summit, and at an APEC one held last week in Peru -- in contrast with outgoing US President Joe Biden, who cut a spectral figure.

Fellow leaders looked past Biden, politically, to the coming US presidency of Donald Trump, which starts January 20.

"Xi Jinping is clearly looking to fill the vacuum that will come following the election of Trump, who does not value multilateralism," Oliver Stuenkel, an international relations expert at Brazil's Getulio Vargas Foundation think tank, told AFP.

<h2>'Synergies'&nbsp;</h2>

China is Brazil's biggest trading partner, with two-way commerce exceeding $160 billion last year.

The South American agricultural power sends mainly soybeans and other primary commodities to China, while the Asian giant sells Brazil semiconductors, telephones, vehicles and medicines.

Since returning to power in early 2023, Lula has sought to balance efforts to improve ties with both China and the United States.

A visit to Beijing this year by Vice President Geraldo Alckmin was seen as paving the way for Brazil to potentially join China's Belt and Road Initiative to stimulate trade -- a central pillar of Xi's bid to expand China's clout overseas.

But there was no announcement in that direction during Xi's visit. Instead, both leaders spoke of finding "synergies" between that Chinese program and Brazil's own infrastructure development program.

South American nations that have signed up to Beijing's initiative include Argentina, Chile, Bolivia, Ecuador, Peru, and Venezuela.

One of the accords signed Wednesday was on Brazil opening its market to a Chinese satellite company, SpaceSail, that competes with Starlink, founded and run by South African-born US billionaire Elon Musk, which already covers remote Brazilian regions.

Musk has a turbulent history with Brazil, whose courts forced his social media platform X to comply with national laws against disinformation.

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Chinese leader Xi Jinping urged "more voices" to end the Ukraine war and a ceasefire in Gaza, as he conducted a state visit to Brazil's capital, Chinese state media said.

Chinese leader Xi Jinping urged "more voices" to end the Ukraine war and a ceasefire in Gaza, as he conducted a state visit to Brazil's capital, Chinese state media said. Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva echoed those points as he met with Xi in a red-carpet welcome in Brasilia, and stressed a joint roadmap for peace in Ukraine that they are proposing. "In a world plagued by armed conflicts and political strife, China and Brazil put peace, diplomacy and dialogue first," Lula said. Xi said he wanted to see "more voices committed to peace to pave the way for a political solution to the Ukraine crisis," the Chinese state news agency Xinhua reported. He also called for "a ceasefire and an end to the war at an early date" in Gaza, the agency said. On Ukraine, the China-Brazil roadmap for mediating peace has been endorsed by Russia -- which is China's ally -- but rejected by Kyiv and its Western backers. The Chinese president's appeal for a halt to fighting in Gaza -- where Israel is pressing an offensive against Hamas -- echoed one he and the other G20 leaders made during a summit held Monday and Tuesday in Rio. That summit's joint statement called for a "comprehensive" ceasefire in both Gaza and Lebanon, where Israel is also waging an offensive against the Iran-backed Hezbollah group. On Wednesday, the UN Security Council held a vote on a resolution calling for "an immediate, unconditional and permanent ceasefire" in Gaza, but it was vetoed by Israel's ally the United States. China filling 'vacuum' Xi's state visit to Brasilia showcased closer relations between the biggest economies in Asia and Latin America, which analysts said also reflected shrinking US influence. The two leaders signed 35 cooperation accords on areas including agriculture, trade, technology and environmental protection. Xi said China-Brazil relations "are at their best in history" and the two countries are now "reliable friends," according to Xinhua. Lula said he believed the growing Brazil-China ties "will exceed all expectations and pave the way for a new phase of bilateral relations." Also read: Ukraine fires UK-made Storm Shadow missiles at Russia for the first time He added that he looked forward to welcoming Xi to Brazil again next July for a BRICS summit. The Chinese leader figured prominently at the G20 summit, and at an APEC one held last week in Peru -- in contrast with outgoing US President Joe Biden, who cut a spectral figure. Fellow leaders looked past Biden, politically, to the coming US presidency of Donald Trump, which starts January 20. "Xi Jinping is clearly looking to fill the vacuum that will come following the election of Trump, who does not value multilateralism," Oliver Stuenkel, an international relations expert at Brazil's Getulio Vargas Foundation think tank, told AFP. 'Synergies' China is Brazil's biggest trading partner, with two-way commerce exceeding $160 billion last year. The South American agricultural power sends mainly soybeans and other primary commodities to China, while the Asian giant sells Brazil semiconductors, telephones, vehicles and medicines. Since returning to power in early 2023, Lula has sought to balance efforts to improve ties with both China and the United States. A visit to Beijing this year by Vice President Geraldo Alckmin was seen as paving the way for Brazil to potentially join China's Belt and Road Initiative to stimulate trade -- a central pillar of Xi's bid to expand China's clout overseas. But there was no announcement in that direction during Xi's visit. Instead, both leaders spoke of finding "synergies" between that Chinese program and Brazil's own infrastructure development program. South American nations that have signed up to Beijing's initiative include Argentina, Chile, Bolivia, Ecuador, Peru, and Venezuela. One of the accords signed Wednesday was on Brazil opening its market to a Chinese satellite company, SpaceSail, that competes with Starlink, founded and run by South African-born US billionaire Elon Musk, which already covers remote Brazilian regions. Musk has a turbulent history with Brazil, whose courts forced his social media platform X to comply with national laws against disinformation. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Xi Jinping calls for Ukraine peace and Gaza ceasefire during Brazil visit

Li Keqiang, a former Chinese premier, has died after suffering a heart attack at the age of 68. Keqiang, once the second-most powerful man in the ruling Chinese Communist Party, suffered a sudden heart attack on Thursday.

Li Keqiang, a former Chinese premier, has died after suffering a heart attack at the age of 68. Keqiang, once the second-most powerful man in the ruling Chinese Communist Party, suffered a sudden heart attack on Thursday. He was on a holiday in Shanghai, state media reported. He passed away on Friday morning after attempts to revive him failed. Li was famous for his pragmatism in economic policies. During his final term, he was the only top official who was not a loyalist of Xi Jinping. Here's everything you need to know about Li Keqiang. Li Keqiang's Early Life & Rise In Politics Li, the son of a local official, came from a humble background. He was born in July 1955 in Dingyuan County in Eastern China's Anhui province. In his teenage years, Li witnessed turmoil during the Cultural Revolution for a decade (1966-76). In 1977, he enrolled at the Peking University to study law. He completed his master's degree in economics in 1988. Keqiang was a proficient English speaker. He helped translate crucial legal works from English to Chinese, like The Due Process of Law by Lord Denning. ALSO READ | Chinese 'research' ship Shi Yan 6 docks at Colombo port amid India, US concerns His dissertation during his PhD in economics was about the structure of the Chinese economy, which won the Sun Yefang Economics Prize. Li Keqiang spent his early political years in the Communist Party's youth movement, the Chinese Communist Youth League (CCYL). In 1982, he became the secretary of the CCYL committee at the Peking University. Li Keqiang's Political Career In 1988, Li became the youngest governor of a province in China, leading the Henan province. In December 2004, he became the party secretary in the north-eastern province of Liaoning. Li Keqiang became the vice-premier in March 2008. Many speculated that he would succeed Hu Jinato as the president. However, he lost to Xi Jinping. Amid much fanfare, Li became the premier in March 2013. His economic policy's objective was to decrease China's dependency on debt-fuelled growth and steer the economy towards self-sustainability. It was termed as 'Likonomics.' In March 2018, Li was re-elected as the premier for a second five-year term. Later, he retired as the party's top leadership and retired as premier in 2023. Li Keqiang's Family Not much is public about Li's personal life. He was married to Cheng Hong, an English professor. They have a daughter together. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Who was Li Keqiang? Former Chinese premier who died of heart attack

Chinese Premier Li Qiang said on Wednesday (September 6) that while dealing with conflicts between countries it is important to avoid a "new Cold War". His remarks came as the world leaders gathered in Indonesia for an ASEAN plus three meeting in the capital Jakarta.&nbsp;

He said, "Disagreements and disputes may arise between countries due to misperceptions, diverging interests or external interferences."&nbsp;

"To keep differences under control, what is essential now is to oppose picking sides, to oppose bloc confrontation and to oppose a new Cold War," he added.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-among-top-world-economies-competing-on-zero-carbon-technologies-report-632842">India among top five world economies racing to achieve net zero emissions: Report</a>&nbsp;

Leaders and top officials, including US Vice President Kamala Harris, have gathered to discuss a range of issues that have overshadowed Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) meetings this week. The meets have come at a time when geopolitical rivalries across the Indo-Pacific region are growing.&nbsp;

Major issues to be discussed are expected to be climate change, a map Beijing recently released that claims regions beyond its border, the release of treated wastewater from the Fukushima nuclear power plant and North Korea's ballistic missile launches.&nbsp;

China's premier was scheduled to attend the 18-nation East Asia Summit on Thursday, along with Harris and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indonesia-refers-to-modi-as-pm-of-bharat-in-invitation-letter-to-asean-summit-632900">Indonesia refers to Modi as ‘PM of Bharat’ in invitation letter to ASEAN summit</a>&nbsp;

According to US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan, Harris would "underscore the United States' enduring commitment to the Indo-Pacific generally," another term for the Asia-Pacific region.

Li said that the key is for the leaders to face up to the issues, eliminate misunderstandings, and manage differences.&nbsp;

He said, "Only when we face up to problems can we solve them. If we engage in an ostrich policy, it will only make our existing problems worse."&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;China bans Apple iPhone, foreign-brand smartphones for government officials at work&nbsp;

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Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said: "As the world is faced with complex challenges from climate change, various international health crises, to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, and as structural changes in the international community continue, in order to continue as the epicentre of growth in the Indo-Pacific region, it is essential that we maintain and strengthen the free and open international order, based on the rule of law."&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
&nbsp;

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Chinese Premier Li Qiang said on Wednesday (September 6) that while dealing with conflicts between countries it is important to avoid a "new Cold War". His remarks came as the world leaders gathered in Indonesia for an ASEAN plus three meeting in the capital Jakarta.

Chinese Premier Li Qiang said on Wednesday (September 6) that while dealing with conflicts between countries it is important to avoid a "new Cold War". His remarks came as the world leaders gathered in Indonesia for an ASEAN plus three meeting in the capital Jakarta. He said, "Disagreements and disputes may arise between countries due to misperceptions, diverging interests or external interferences." "To keep differences under control, what is essential now is to oppose picking sides, to oppose bloc confrontation and to oppose a new Cold War," he added. Also read: India among top five world economies racing to achieve net zero emissions: Report Leaders and top officials, including US Vice President Kamala Harris, have gathered to discuss a range of issues that have overshadowed Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) meetings this week. The meets have come at a time when geopolitical rivalries across the Indo-Pacific region are growing. Major issues to be discussed are expected to be climate change, a map Beijing recently released that claims regions beyond its border, the release of treated wastewater from the Fukushima nuclear power plant and North Korea's ballistic missile launches. China's premier was scheduled to attend the 18-nation East Asia Summit on Thursday, along with Harris and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov. Also read: Indonesia refers to Modi as ‘PM of Bharat’ in invitation letter to ASEAN summit According to US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan, Harris would "underscore the United States' enduring commitment to the Indo-Pacific generally," another term for the Asia-Pacific region. Li said that the key is for the leaders to face up to the issues, eliminate misunderstandings, and manage differences. He said, "Only when we face up to problems can we solve them. If we engage in an ostrich policy, it will only make our existing problems worse." Watch: China bans Apple iPhone, foreign-brand smartphones for government officials at work × Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said: "As the world is faced with complex challenges from climate change, various international health crises, to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, and as structural changes in the international community continue, in order to continue as the epicentre of growth in the Indo-Pacific region, it is essential that we maintain and strengthen the free and open international order, based on the rule of law." (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

China's Premier Li Qiang says need to oppose 'new Cold War'

The newly-appointed Chinese Premier Li Qiang has announced four new Vice Premiers, the Chinese Premier has also nominated China's future minister of Defence Ministers of State, Security and Public Security as well. With this the newly-elected top official has set the tone for how he is going to monitor the world's second-largest economy.

China: Li Shangfu to be new Defence Minister; newly-elected Li Qiang sets tone for his term

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang said on Thursday that China is "open, transparent and cooperative" on the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">novel coronavirus </a>and will continue to work with the World Health Organization (WHO) to find the origins of the virus.&nbsp;

"The Chinese side has acted in a fact-based manner, and with an open, transparent and cooperative approach. China has maintained communication with the WHO and provided the WHO mission support during their work in China concerning the origin of the virus," Chinese premier was quoted as saying by state-run CGTN.&nbsp;

He also said that Covid-19 is a global health contingency and like other nations, China also wants to know about the origins of it as early as possible.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;

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Li said hat virus origin tracing is a complex scientific matter and requires cooperation between nations and continuous research.&nbsp;

"Covid-19 is a common enemy of humankind, and has affected so many members of the global community. We hope that all countries will join hands to achieve early victory over the virus," he said.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/beijings-public-health-workers-the-least-willing-in-china-to-get-coronavirus-vaccine-survey-368048">Beijing's public health workers the least willing in China to get coronavirus vaccine: Survey</a>

Meanwhile. a prominent member of the WHO's independent team that visited China to find the virus's origins said that "fairly soon," it will be found how the outbreak began.&nbsp;

Peter Daszak, the president of the New York-based EcoHealth Alliance, said collective scientific research might be able to pin down how animals with the deadly virus infected the first people in Wuhan last December.&nbsp;

He said the wildlife trade was the most probable explanation of how coronavirus reached Wuhan, where the first human cases were found.&nbsp;

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang said on Thursday that China is "open, transparent and cooperative" on the novel coronavirus and will continue to work with the World Health Organization (WHO) to find the origins of the virus.

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang said on Thursday that China is "open, transparent and cooperative" on the novel coronavirus and will continue to work with the World Health Organization (WHO) to find the origins of the virus. "The Chinese side has acted in a fact-based manner, and with an open, transparent and cooperative approach. China has maintained communication with the WHO and provided the WHO mission support during their work in China concerning the origin of the virus," Chinese premier was quoted as saying by state-run CGTN. He also said that Covid-19 is a global health contingency and like other nations, China also wants to know about the origins of it as early as possible. Watch | Li said hat virus origin tracing is a complex scientific matter and requires cooperation between nations and continuous research. "Covid-19 is a common enemy of humankind, and has affected so many members of the global community. We hope that all countries will join hands to achieve early victory over the virus," he said. Also read | Beijing's public health workers the least willing in China to get coronavirus vaccine: Survey Meanwhile. a prominent member of the WHO's independent team that visited China to find the virus's origins said that "fairly soon," it will be found how the outbreak began. Peter Daszak, the president of the New York-based EcoHealth Alliance, said collective scientific research might be able to pin down how animals with the deadly virus infected the first people in Wuhan last December. He said the wildlife trade was the most probable explanation of how coronavirus reached Wuhan, where the first human cases were found.

China 'open, transparent' on Covid-19, will work with WHO to find origins: Premier Li Keqiang

China's Premier Li Keqiang reiterated the government's stance on Hong Kong and Taiwan on Friday, in an address to the country's ceremonial legislature.

Speaking at the opening of the annual meeting of China’s parliament, Li said Beijing stands by the “one China” principle, which states that Taiwan is part of China. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/european-union-warns-china-against-hong-kong-election-rules-change-368237">Also read: European Union warns China against Hong Kong election rules change</a> 
 
He repeated official promises to promote a "peaceful growth of relations" with Taiwan but announced no new initiatives toward the self-ruled island that split with the mainland in 1949 following a civil war.

Beijing claims Taiwan as its territory and has threatened to invade if it tries to make its de facto independence official.

Li said the mainland will "resolutely deter" any activity "seeking 'Taiwan independence.'

China remains committed “to promoting the peaceful growth of relations across the Taiwan Strait and China’s reunification”, he told the roughly 3,000 delegates at Beijing’s Great Hall of the People.

“We will remain highly vigilant against and resolutely deter any separatist activity seeking Taiwan independence,” Li added.

“We will promote exchanges, cooperation and integrated development across the Taiwan Strait. Together we can shape a bright future of rejuvenation for our great nation.”

Taiwan has complained of increased Chinese military harassment since the coronavirus pandemic began, with fighter jets and naval vessels regularly approaching the island on drills China has described as routine.

China says Taiwan is its most sensitive and important territorial issue, and has never renounced the use of force to bring what it views as a Chinese province under its control, making the Taiwan Strait a potential military flashpoint.

(With inputs from agencies)

China's Premier Li Keqiang reiterated the government's stance on Hong Kong and Taiwan on Friday, in an address to the country's ceremonial legislature. Speaking at the opening of the annual meeting of China’s parliament, Li said Beijing stands by the “one China” principle, which states that Taiwan is part of China.

China's Premier Li Keqiang reiterated the government's stance on Hong Kong and Taiwan on Friday, in an address to the country's ceremonial legislature. Speaking at the opening of the annual meeting of China’s parliament, Li said Beijing stands by the “one China” principle, which states that Taiwan is part of China. Also read: European Union warns China against Hong Kong election rules change He repeated official promises to promote a "peaceful growth of relations" with Taiwan but announced no new initiatives toward the self-ruled island that split with the mainland in 1949 following a civil war. Beijing claims Taiwan as its territory and has threatened to invade if it tries to make its de facto independence official. Li said the mainland will "resolutely deter" any activity "seeking 'Taiwan independence.' China remains committed “to promoting the peaceful growth of relations across the Taiwan Strait and China’s reunification”, he told the roughly 3,000 delegates at Beijing’s Great Hall of the People. “We will remain highly vigilant against and resolutely deter any separatist activity seeking Taiwan independence,” Li added. “We will promote exchanges, cooperation and integrated development across the Taiwan Strait. Together we can shape a bright future of rejuvenation for our great nation.” Taiwan has complained of increased Chinese military harassment since the coronavirus pandemic began, with fighter jets and naval vessels regularly approaching the island on drills China has described as routine. China says Taiwan is its most sensitive and important territorial issue, and has never renounced the use of force to bring what it views as a Chinese province under its control, making the Taiwan Strait a potential military flashpoint. (With inputs from agencies)

Beijing will deter Taiwan independence but seeks 'peaceful unification': Chinese Premier Li Keqiang

A highly secretive conclave of the Communist Party is about to be held. It is a meeting that even the Chinese President Xi Jinping is afraid to attend. It's a conference that happens far away from the limelight of Beijing.

The Beidaihe conference is an annual gathering of luminaries of the Communist Party that sets the political agenda for the year&nbsp;but this time around, the Beidaihe meeting could add to Xi Jinping’s headaches.

Mao Zedong has been there so has Deng Xiaoping. A visit to the beach resort of Beidaihe was an annual affair for the two leaders but, they were not on a holiday. Every year, Beidaihe plays host to a secret conclave of the Communist Party. An informal gathering is used to brainstorm the political agenda.

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The tradition was started by the founder of Communist China -&nbsp;Mao Zedong and continues even today. The meeting is never announced and&nbsp;there is no press release. Leaders of the Communist Party arrive in Beidaihe quietly and never rub shoulders with the public.

Xi Jinping would like to keep things quiet this year too because this year’s summit conclave would be far from smooth sailing for Xi Jinping.

During the Beidaihe summit, he will come face to face with the party elders and&nbsp;retired members of the Communist party including&nbsp;former leaders of the Chinese state, leaders&nbsp;who could have things to say about how China handled the coronavirus outbreak, the situation in Hong Kong and China’s tensions with the US.&nbsp;

Reports suggest that there are 10 to 20 figures who still influence the Communist Party. But four names stand out-&nbsp;former president Jiang Zemin, former Premier Zhu Rongji, former president Hu Jintao and former Premier Wen Jiabao.

The Beidaihe meeting is perhaps one of the few forums where China’s leading political figures can criticise the leader in charge and this year’s meeting is happening under extraordinary circumstances.

After the pandemic spread from China to the world, Beijing has launched an unprecedented diplomatic mission to assert itself.

Several military standoffs are playing out in China’s neighbourhood. For the first time this year, China hasn’t set a GDP target and economic growth is what binds the elders as all four elders oversaw China’s high economic growth.

According to various accounts of the Beidaihe meeting, the elders never hesitate to criticise leaders in power and even&nbsp;offer binding advice to the president. Even in retirement&nbsp;these elders enjoy considerable perks and powers.

They are assigned elite bodyguards, special housing, secretaries and drivers. They can even access restricted documents and information. It&nbsp;allows them to keep tabs on the party's activities and influence decisions.

The challenge for Xi Jinping is to keep the party united&nbsp;because&nbsp;if the party elders were to go against him, their anger could spread to party cadres triggering a wave of dissent within the Chinese ruling establishment.

A highly secretive conclave of the Communist Party is about to be held. It is a meeting that even the Chinese President Xi Jinping is afraid to attend. It's a conference that happens far away from the limelight of Beijing.

A highly secretive conclave of the Communist Party is about to be held. It is a meeting that even the Chinese President Xi Jinping is afraid to attend. It's a conference that happens far away from the limelight of Beijing. The Beidaihe conference is an annual gathering of luminaries of the Communist Party that sets the political agenda for the year but this time around, the Beidaihe meeting could add to Xi Jinping’s headaches. Mao Zedong has been there so has Deng Xiaoping. A visit to the beach resort of Beidaihe was an annual affair for the two leaders but, they were not on a holiday. Every year, Beidaihe plays host to a secret conclave of the Communist Party. An informal gathering is used to brainstorm the political agenda. The tradition was started by the founder of Communist China - Mao Zedong and continues even today. The meeting is never announced and there is no press release. Leaders of the Communist Party arrive in Beidaihe quietly and never rub shoulders with the public. Xi Jinping would like to keep things quiet this year too because this year’s summit conclave would be far from smooth sailing for Xi Jinping. During the Beidaihe summit, he will come face to face with the party elders and retired members of the Communist party including former leaders of the Chinese state, leaders who could have things to say about how China handled the coronavirus outbreak, the situation in Hong Kong and China’s tensions with the US. Reports suggest that there are 10 to 20 figures who still influence the Communist Party. But four names stand out- former president Jiang Zemin, former Premier Zhu Rongji, former president Hu Jintao and former Premier Wen Jiabao. The Beidaihe meeting is perhaps one of the few forums where China’s leading political figures can criticise the leader in charge and this year’s meeting is happening under extraordinary circumstances. After the pandemic spread from China to the world, Beijing has launched an unprecedented diplomatic mission to assert itself. Several military standoffs are playing out in China’s neighbourhood. For the first time this year, China hasn’t set a GDP target and economic growth is what binds the elders as all four elders oversaw China’s high economic growth. According to various accounts of the Beidaihe meeting, the elders never hesitate to criticise leaders in power and even offer binding advice to the president. Even in retirement these elders enjoy considerable perks and powers. They are assigned elite bodyguards, special housing, secretaries and drivers. They can even access restricted documents and information. It allows them to keep tabs on the party's activities and influence decisions. The challenge for Xi Jinping is to keep the party united because if the party elders were to go against him, their anger could spread to party cadres triggering a wave of dissent within the Chinese ruling establishment.

China's President Xi Jinping dreads Beidaihe summit, here's why!

In a surprising move, a couple of days back the Chinese Premier had sparked a rush to set up curbside stalls by praising them as a creator of jobs in the coronavirus-hit economy. Watch report.

China backtracks efforts to promote street vending | Beijing street vendors

Chinese Premier <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-launches-new-crackdown-on-chemical-safety-261981">Li Keqiang</a> met with Hong Kong leader <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-chief-executive-carrie-lam-heads-for-beijing-as-pressure-mounts-at-home-268246">Carrie Lam</a> in Beijing on Monday, saying the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-cabinet-reshuffle-not-an-immediate-task-carrie-lam-267429">Asian financial hub</a> was not yet out of the "dilemma" facing the city's economy after months of sometimes violent protests.

Li met with Lam during a regular duty visit where she is also due to hold a potentially pivotal meeting with President<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-tightens-the-screws-after-leaks-on-state-sponsored-atrocities-in-xinjiang-268348"> Xi Jinping</a>.

The meetings come after Hong Kong police fired tear gas in late-night street clashes with anti-government protesters on Sunday as the former British colony's worst political crisis in decades drags on into a seventh month.

"The SAR (special administrative region) government must continue its efforts, end violence and stop the chaos in accordance with the law and restore order," Li said in his meeting with Lam, the opening remarks of which were broadcast by Cable TV.

Lam's visit comes amid speculation in local media that talks with Xi could yield fresh directives on the city's political crisis, including a possible cabinet reshuffle.

The two had previously met in Shanghai in early November when Xi expressed "high trust" in Lam despite the turmoil.

Lam, however, appeared to play down the prospects of a cabinet reshuffle before she left, saying the first task was to curb violence and restore order while seeking to engage in more dialogue with the public.

Late on Sunday, groups of masked youths angered by what they see as Chinese meddling in freedoms promised to Hong Kong when the former British colony returned to Chinese rule in 1997 blocked roads around Mong Kok district, prompting police to fire multiple rounds of tear gas and baton charge crowds.

It was the first time in nearly two weeks that tear gas had been deployed by police.

Fires were lit and traffic lights smashed, while one student reporter for Baptist University was hit in the face by a police projectile and had to be hospitalised, local television footage showed.

Small bands of protesters marched through several malls, blocking entrances, smashing glass, and chanting slogans including "fight for freedom".

Despite the protesters' demands and anti-China rhetoric, China maintains it is committed to the "one country, two systems" formula granting Hong Kong a large degree of autonomy and freedoms denied other cities in the mainland.

The city, home to around 7 million people, entered its first recession in a decade in the third quarter with tourism and retail particularly affected by the sometimes violent protests.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/flights-cancelled-in-hong-kong-airport-as-protests-escalate-242407">Hong Kong International Airport</a> reported its biggest fall in passenger numbers in more than a decade in November, official data released on Sunday showed.

Lam's administration has pledged HK$25 billion ($3.2 billion) in stimulus but analysts say it is unlikely to have a major impact as long as the unrest continues.

Some 7,000 licensed retail establishments out of 64,000 say they will be forced to close down in the next six months, the Hong Kong Retail Management Association said earlier this month.

While the number of protests has lessened in recent weeks from demonstrations nearly every day, the movement still enjoys broad backing, with families with children and retirees still coming out in support.

Protesters have called on the government to address their demands which include an independent inquiry into police behavior and the implementation of universal suffrage.

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang met with Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam in Beijing on Monday, saying the Asian financial hub was not yet out of the "dilemma" facing the city's economy after months of sometimes violent protests.

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang met with Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam in Beijing on Monday, saying the Asian financial hub was not yet out of the "dilemma" facing the city's economy after months of sometimes violent protests. Li met with Lam during a regular duty visit where she is also due to hold a potentially pivotal meeting with President Xi Jinping. The meetings come after Hong Kong police fired tear gas in late-night street clashes with anti-government protesters on Sunday as the former British colony's worst political crisis in decades drags on into a seventh month. "The SAR (special administrative region) government must continue its efforts, end violence and stop the chaos in accordance with the law and restore order," Li said in his meeting with Lam, the opening remarks of which were broadcast by Cable TV. Lam's visit comes amid speculation in local media that talks with Xi could yield fresh directives on the city's political crisis, including a possible cabinet reshuffle. The two had previously met in Shanghai in early November when Xi expressed "high trust" in Lam despite the turmoil. Lam, however, appeared to play down the prospects of a cabinet reshuffle before she left, saying the first task was to curb violence and restore order while seeking to engage in more dialogue with the public. Late on Sunday, groups of masked youths angered by what they see as Chinese meddling in freedoms promised to Hong Kong when the former British colony returned to Chinese rule in 1997 blocked roads around Mong Kok district, prompting police to fire multiple rounds of tear gas and baton charge crowds. It was the first time in nearly two weeks that tear gas had been deployed by police. Fires were lit and traffic lights smashed, while one student reporter for Baptist University was hit in the face by a police projectile and had to be hospitalised, local television footage showed. Small bands of protesters marched through several malls, blocking entrances, smashing glass, and chanting slogans including "fight for freedom". Despite the protesters' demands and anti-China rhetoric, China maintains it is committed to the "one country, two systems" formula granting Hong Kong a large degree of autonomy and freedoms denied other cities in the mainland. The city, home to around 7 million people, entered its first recession in a decade in the third quarter with tourism and retail particularly affected by the sometimes violent protests. Hong Kong International Airport reported its biggest fall in passenger numbers in more than a decade in November, official data released on Sunday showed. Lam's administration has pledged HK$25 billion ($3.2 billion) in stimulus but analysts say it is unlikely to have a major impact as long as the unrest continues. Some 7,000 licensed retail establishments out of 64,000 say they will be forced to close down in the next six months, the Hong Kong Retail Management Association said earlier this month. While the number of protests has lessened in recent weeks from demonstrations nearly every day, the movement still enjoys broad backing, with families with children and retirees still coming out in support. Protesters have called on the government to address their demands which include an independent inquiry into police behavior and the implementation of universal suffrage.

Chinese premier says Hong Kong not yet out of protest 'dilemma'

Taiwan independence would lead to "disaster", Chinese President Xi Jinping said on Wednesday, pledging efforts for peaceful "reunification" with the self-ruled island but warning China would not renounce the use of force.

Speaking at Beijing's Great Hall of the People on the 40th anniversary of a key Taiwan policy statement, Xi said reunification must come under a one-China principle that accepts Taiwan as part of China, anathema to supporters of Taiwan independence.

All people in Taiwan must "clearly recognise that Taiwan independence would only bring profound disaster to Taiwan", Xi said.

"We are willing to create broad space for peaceful reunification, but will leave no room for any form of separatist activities," he said.

"We make no promise to renounce the use of force and reserve the option of taking all necessary means," he said, adding that the issue is China's internal affair and that it would permit "no external interference".

Chinese Nationalist forces fled to Taiwan in December of 1949 after losing a civil war to the Communists.

While today the two sides have close business, cultural and personal links, proudly democratic Taiwan has shown no interest in being ruled by autocratic Beijing.

&nbsp;

Taiwan independence would lead to "disaster", Chinese President Xi Jinping said on Wednesday, pledging efforts for peaceful "reunification" with the self-ruled island but warning China would not renounce the use of force.

Taiwan independence would lead to "disaster", Chinese President Xi Jinping said on Wednesday, pledging efforts for peaceful "reunification" with the self-ruled island but warning China would not renounce the use of force. Speaking at Beijing's Great Hall of the People on the 40th anniversary of a key Taiwan policy statement, Xi said reunification must come under a one-China principle that accepts Taiwan as part of China, anathema to supporters of Taiwan independence. All people in Taiwan must "clearly recognise that Taiwan independence would only bring profound disaster to Taiwan", Xi said. "We are willing to create broad space for peaceful reunification, but will leave no room for any form of separatist activities," he said. "We make no promise to renounce the use of force and reserve the option of taking all necessary means," he said, adding that the issue is China's internal affair and that it would permit "no external interference". Chinese Nationalist forces fled to Taiwan in December of 1949 after losing a civil war to the Communists. While today the two sides have close business, cultural and personal links, proudly democratic Taiwan has shown no interest in being ruled by autocratic Beijing.

China's Xi says Taiwan independence would be disaster, calls for peaceful 'reunification'

At the BRICS summit in Russia two years ago, Chinese Premier Xi Jinping <a href="https://brics2017.org/English/Headlines/201701/t20170125_1402.html">invoked</a> physics when asking fellow leaders &ldquo;to boost the centripetal (unifying) force of BRICS nations through cooperation in innovation and production capacity to boost competitiveness.&rdquo;

That was the theory, but the economic reality of the once-feted Brazil-Russia-India-China-South Africa alliance is contradictory.

Instead of, centripetal strengthening, the world is witnessing much more powerful centrifugal dividing forces, including overproduction, over-indebtedness and deglobalisation of capital. These elements have been spinning out of control even before the <a href="https://www.counterpunch.org/2017/01/06/will-washingtons-new-pro-moscow-anti-beijing-gang-drive-a-wedge-through-the-brics-in-2017/">chaotic era</a> of US President Donald Trump began.

Over production is mostly found in the coal, steel, non-ferrous metals, cement and chemicals industries. It&rsquo;s largely driven by China where over-capacity is more than 30 per cent, according to a new International Monetary Fund <a href="http://www.imf.org/en/News/Articles/2017/08/15/pr17326-china-imf-executive-board-concludes-2017-article-iv-consultation">report</a> that also raised worries about the country&rsquo;s vast debt.

Over borrowing by companies, states and households represents a global crisis in the making. The Institute of International Finance has just reported that <a href="http://www.zerohedge.com/news/2017-06-29/global-debt-hits-new-record-high-217-trillion-327-gdp">world debt</a> is now USD$217 trillion (327 per cent of world GDP), up from USD$149 billion (276 per cent) in 2007.

Deglobalisation is simply the reversal - mostly since 2008 - of prior rapid growth in cross-border trade, investment and finance. Should that be viewed as a bad thing? Rather than fear globalisation&rsquo;s unravelling, leading scholar-activists including <a href="http://press.uchicago.edu/ucp/books/book/distributed/D/bo20861161.html">Samir Amin</a> in Africa, the late <a href="https://archive.monthlyreview.org/index.php/mr/article/view/MR-023-09-1972-02_2/0">Ruy Mauro Marini</a> in Latin America, <a href="http://fpif.org/the_virtues_of_deglobalization/">Walden Bello</a> in Asia and the 20th century&rsquo;s most important economist, <a href="https://www.mtholyoke.edu/acad/intrel/interwar/keynes.htm">John Maynard Keynes</a>, have all advocated national economic sovereignty. If pursued cleverly, deglobalisation could be the basis for restoring links between once vibrant sectors subsequently destroyed by imports.

&nbsp;

<figure class="align-right "><img alt="" src="https://cdn.theconversation.com/files/183648/width237/file-20170828-1572-16a5ulb.jpg" />
<figcaption>
BRICS 2017 China logo
</figcaption>
</figure>

Could BRICS leaders evolve in this direction? Their <a href="https://www.brics2017.org/English/">summit</a> next week will be distracted by geopolitical tensions. Although a welcome <a href="http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/there-wont-be-a-war-at-doklam-as-india-and-china-agree-to-disengage/articleshow/60255485.cms">deal</a> on Monday prevents the feared Sino-Indian border war, a much more durable geo-economic battle is unfolding in the <a href="https://borderless-hk.com/2017/08/16/an-introduction-to-the-china-pakistan-economic-corridor/">China-Pakistan Economic Corridor</a>, which in May left Prime Minister Narendra Modi <a href="http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/why-did-india-boycott-chinas-road-summit/article18516163.ece">boycotting</a> China&rsquo;s Belt and Road mega-conference three months ago.

Beijing&rsquo;s BRICS <a href="https://brics2017.org/English/China2017/Logo/">logo</a> designers, perhaps being unconsciously subversive, have illustrated how the once overlapping, interlocking BRICS are now being wedged apart as paper thin subjects of centrifugal forces. For Africa, fewer illusions in these economies would be welcome, given how <a href="http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/01436597.2013.775783">exploitative</a> the BRICS and their firms have become against societies, democratic movements and environments.

A counter-summit challenge the BRICS

This argument is made by the <a href="http://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/2107923/hong-kong-activist-joshua-wong-cant-help-laugh-after">Hong Kong People&rsquo;s Forum</a>, initiated by the city&rsquo;s progressive labour, intellectual and faith leaders to question the BRICS. Their meeting this weekend follows in the counter summit traditions of the 2013 <a href="http://ccs.ukzn.ac.za/default.asp?2,68,3,2853">BRICS-from-below</a> in Durban, the 2014 <a href="http://ccs.ukzn.ac.za/default.asp?2,68,3,3253">Dialogue on Development</a> in Fortaleza, and the 2016 Goa <a href="https://peoplesbrics.org/2016/10/24/goa-declaration-of-the-peoples-forum-on-brics/">People&rsquo;s Forum on BRICS</a>.

According to the Hong Kong People&rsquo;s Forum:

Instead of offering an alternative, the BRICS actually offer a continuation of neo-liberalism. On top of BRICS, there is also China&rsquo;s new mega project, the Belt and Road initiative whose main purpose is to export China&rsquo;s surplus capital.

These surpluses are vast, as witnessed in China&rsquo;s foreign reserves which recently topped USD$4 trillion, though then fell 20 per cent due to bouts of capital flight and two stock market crashes in 2015-16.

Deglobalisation

Global trade, finance and investment were meant to be the motors for the advancement of BRICS. But according to the <a href="http://data.worldbank.org/indicator/NE.TRD.GNFS.ZS?end=2016&amp;locations=CN-BR-ZA-IN-RU-1W&amp;start=1999&amp;view=chart">World Bank</a>, global trade peaked at 61 per cent of world gross domestic product (GDP) in 2008 but retreated to 58 per cent in 2015.

During the 1990s each BRICS country raised its trade to GDP ratio by at least 10 points. But trade has receded in importance in <a href="https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/NE.TRD.GNFS.ZS?contextual=default&amp;locations=CN+WORLD-BR-RU-IN-CN-ZA">each of the BRICS</a>. Russia peaked first at a 69 per cent trade/GDP ratio in 1999 and then fell steadily to 45 per cent&nbsp;today. Brazil rose to 30 per cent in 2004 and fell to 25 per cent. China soared to 66 per cent in 2006 and has since plummeted to 36 per cent. South Africa&rsquo;s 2008 ratio was 73 per cent but is now back to 60 per cent and India peaked last, in 2012 with 56 per cent, and is now at 40 per cent.

On top of this, the ratio of world financial assets that are held overseas compared to GDP <a href="https://ahtribune.com/world/africa/1706-patrick-bond.html">fell</a> from 58 per cent in 2008 to 38 per cent in 2016, even as overall financial assets increased in line with soaring debt.

Finally, another deglobalisation symptom is the <a href="https://ahtribune.com/world/africa/1706-patrick-bond.html">halving</a> of relative global foreign direct investment: from 3.7 per cent of world GDP in 2008 to 1.7 per cent in 2016.

Leading financiers now talk of an imminent world <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-08-22/wall-street-banks-warn-winter-is-coming-as-business-cycle-peaks">recession</a>, given over priced stock markets and corporate debt. This is not just due to wild New York share speculation, as also occurred in the crashes of 1987, 2000 and 2008. Three BRICS stock markets are also <a href="http://www.imf.org/en/Publications/WEO/Issues/2017/07/07/world-economic-outlook-update-july-2017?cid=em-COM-123-35653">bubbling</a>: South Africa&rsquo;s stock market is 90 per cent higher than in 2010, India&rsquo;s market is up 70 per cent and Russia has risen by 50 per cent.

Centrifugal realities crowd out centripetal fantasies

These dangerous centrifugal forces cannot be easily regulated or reversed. The only recent relief came from the Chinese state&rsquo;s massive urban construction investments (albeit leaving scores of <a href="http://thediplomat.com/2015/10/china-is-still-building-ghost-cities/">near-empty cities</a>) and the Indian <a href="https://www2.deloitte.com/content/dam/Deloitte/in/Documents/industries/in-india-services-sector-ges-2017-noexp.pdf">service sector boom</a>. But since 2015 the other three BRICS have suffered recessions as the crash in commodity prices hit home.

As the Hong Kong People&rsquo;s Forum statement explained:

China has now evolved into a global engine promoting a neoliberal agenda from free trade agreements to corporate led integration across borders.

The BRICS had promised to challenge an unfair global economic system. But in December 2015 their main multilateral reform strategies failed:

<ul>
	<li>
	the <a href="https://www.counterpunch.org/2015/12/25/climate-terror-from-paris-could-endure-for-generations/">Paris Climate Accord</a> was nonbinding, unambitious and outlaws climate-debt lawsuits by victims of Western and BRICS emissions;
	</li>
	<li>
	the <a href="https://archive.monthlyreview.org/index.php/mr/article/view/MR-023-09-1972-02_2/0">World Trade Organisation</a> phased out any semblance of food sovereignty; and
	</li>
	<li>
	<a href="https://mg.co.za/article/2017-03-31-00-brics-joins-the-reigning-world-order">IMF voting shares</a> were shifted to favour BRICS at the expense of poorer countries.
	</li>
</ul>

Adds the Hong Kong People&rsquo;s Forum: &ldquo;The 2017 World Economic Forum in Davos was one site where Xi clearly took the lead in promoting world corporate power, as Trump leads the US-UK retreat into crony-capitalist protectionism.&rdquo;

South African President Jacob Zuma <a href="https://www.businesslive.co.za/bd/politics/2017-06-30-jacob-zumas-speech-to-the-anc--now-with-little-yellow-post-its/">pronounced</a> last month at his party&rsquo;s policy Congress, &ldquo;The ANC is part of the global anti-imperialist movement. We are historically connected with the countries of the South and therefore South-South cooperation such as BRICS is primary for our movement.&rdquo;

<img alt="The Conversation" height="1" src="https://counter.theconversation.edu.au/content/83115/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" width="1" />If centrifugal economic forces now pressuring the bloc to overwhelm Xi&rsquo;s desired centripetal capitalism, then we can expect yet more talk-left walk-right politics, as the BRICS <a href="http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/01436597.2013.775783">sub-imperialists</a> desperately try to pretend they&rsquo;re anti-imperialists.

&nbsp;

This article was originally published on <a href="http://theconversation.com" nofollow="" rel="">The Conversation</a>. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/brics-is-being-battered-by-global-crises-why-this-might-not-be-a-bad-thing-83115">original article</a>.

Global trade and financial investment were meant to be the motors for the advancement of BRICS but deglobalisation and geo-political tension are seriously challenging BRICS' goals.

At the BRICS summit in Russia two years ago, Chinese Premier Xi Jinping invoked physics when asking fellow leaders “to boost the centripetal (unifying) force of BRICS nations through cooperation in innovation and production capacity to boost competitiveness.” That was the theory, but the economic reality of the once-feted Brazil-Russia-India-China-South Africa alliance is contradictory. Instead of, centripetal strengthening, the world is witnessing much more powerful centrifugal dividing forces, including overproduction, over-indebtedness and deglobalisation of capital. These elements have been spinning out of control even before the chaotic era of US President Donald Trump began. Over production is mostly found in the coal, steel, non-ferrous metals, cement and chemicals industries. It’s largely driven by China where over-capacity is more than 30 per cent, according to a new International Monetary Fund report that also raised worries about the country’s vast debt. Over borrowing by companies, states and households represents a global crisis in the making. The Institute of International Finance has just reported that world debt is now USD$217 trillion (327 per cent of world GDP), up from USD$149 billion (276 per cent) in 2007. Deglobalisation is simply the reversal - mostly since 2008 - of prior rapid growth in cross-border trade, investment and finance. Should that be viewed as a bad thing? Rather than fear globalisation’s unravelling, leading scholar-activists including Samir Amin in Africa, the late Ruy Mauro Marini in Latin America, Walden Bello in Asia and the 20th century’s most important economist, John Maynard Keynes, have all advocated national economic sovereignty. If pursued cleverly, deglobalisation could be the basis for restoring links between once vibrant sectors subsequently destroyed by imports. BRICS 2017 China logo Could BRICS leaders evolve in this direction? Their summit next week will be distracted by geopolitical tensions. Although a welcome deal on Monday prevents the feared Sino-Indian border war, a much more durable geo-economic battle is unfolding in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, which in May left Prime Minister Narendra Modi boycotting China’s Belt and Road mega-conference three months ago. Beijing’s BRICS logo designers, perhaps being unconsciously subversive, have illustrated how the once overlapping, interlocking BRICS are now being wedged apart as paper thin subjects of centrifugal forces. For Africa, fewer illusions in these economies would be welcome, given how exploitative the BRICS and their firms have become against societies, democratic movements and environments. A counter-summit challenge the BRICS This argument is made by the Hong Kong People’s Forum, initiated by the city’s progressive labour, intellectual and faith leaders to question the BRICS. Their meeting this weekend follows in the counter summit traditions of the 2013 BRICS-from-below in Durban, the 2014 Dialogue on Development in Fortaleza, and the 2016 Goa People’s Forum on BRICS. According to the Hong Kong People’s Forum: Instead of offering an alternative, the BRICS actually offer a continuation of neo-liberalism. On top of BRICS, there is also China’s new mega project, the Belt and Road initiative whose main purpose is to export China’s surplus capital. These surpluses are vast, as witnessed in China’s foreign reserves which recently topped USD$4 trillion, though then fell 20 per cent due to bouts of capital flight and two stock market crashes in 2015-16. Deglobalisation Global trade, finance and investment were meant to be the motors for the advancement of BRICS. But according to the World Bank, global trade peaked at 61 per cent of world gross domestic product (GDP) in 2008 but retreated to 58 per cent in 2015. During the 1990s each BRICS country raised its trade to GDP ratio by at least 10 points. But trade has receded in importance in each of the BRICS. Russia peaked first at a 69 per cent trade/GDP ratio in 1999 and then fell steadily to 45 per cent today. Brazil rose to 30 per cent in 2004 and fell to 25 per cent. China soared to 66 per cent in 2006 and has since plummeted to 36 per cent. South Africa’s 2008 ratio was 73 per cent but is now back to 60 per cent and India peaked last, in 2012 with 56 per cent, and is now at 40 per cent. On top of this, the ratio of world financial assets that are held overseas compared to GDP fell from 58 per cent in 2008 to 38 per cent in 2016, even as overall financial assets increased in line with soaring debt. Finally, another deglobalisation symptom is the halving of relative global foreign direct investment: from 3.7 per cent of world GDP in 2008 to 1.7 per cent in 2016. Leading financiers now talk of an imminent world recession, given over priced stock markets and corporate debt. This is not just due to wild New York share speculation, as also occurred in the crashes of 1987, 2000 and 2008. Three BRICS stock markets are also bubbling: South Africa’s stock market is 90 per cent higher than in 2010, India’s market is up 70 per cent and Russia has risen by 50 per cent. Centrifugal realities crowd out centripetal fantasies These dangerous centrifugal forces cannot be easily regulated or reversed. The only recent relief came from the Chinese state’s massive urban construction investments (albeit leaving scores of near-empty cities) and the Indian service sector boom. But since 2015 the other three BRICS have suffered recessions as the crash in commodity prices hit home. As the Hong Kong People’s Forum statement explained: China has now evolved into a global engine promoting a neoliberal agenda from free trade agreements to corporate led integration across borders. The BRICS had promised to challenge an unfair global economic system. But in December 2015 their main multilateral reform strategies failed: the Paris Climate Accord was nonbinding, unambitious and outlaws climate-debt lawsuits by victims of Western and BRICS emissions; the World Trade Organisation phased out any semblance of food sovereignty; and IMF voting shares were shifted to favour BRICS at the expense of poorer countries. Adds the Hong Kong People’s Forum: “The 2017 World Economic Forum in Davos was one site where Xi clearly took the lead in promoting world corporate power, as Trump leads the US-UK retreat into crony-capitalist protectionism.” South African President Jacob Zuma pronounced last month at his party’s policy Congress, “The ANC is part of the global anti-imperialist movement. We are historically connected with the countries of the South and therefore South-South cooperation such as BRICS is primary for our movement.” If centrifugal economic forces now pressuring the bloc to overwhelm Xi’s desired centripetal capitalism, then we can expect yet more talk-left walk-right politics, as the BRICS sub-imperialists desperately try to pretend they’re anti-imperialists. This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article.

Battered by global crises, will BRICS be a success?

Chinese premier Li Keqiang on Wednesday warned the United States against starting a trade war while expressing optimism that the world&#39;s two largest economies could keep relations steady despite Trump-era frictions.

&quot;We don&rsquo;t want to see any trade war breaking out between the two countries. That wouldn&rsquo;t make our trade fairer,&quot; Li told reporters at a press conference closing China&#39;s annual parliamentary session.

&quot;No matter what bumps the China-US relationship may run into, we hope this relationship will continue to move forward in a positive direction.&quot;&nbsp;

China and the United States are currently discussing arrangements for a summit between President Donald Trump and his counterpart Xi Jinping that could help ease tensions stoked by Trump&#39;s fiery election campaign rhetoric.

Trump threatened to upend decades of multilateralism and raised fears of a trade war with China while on the campaign trail.

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After his election victory, he angered Beijing with a protocol-busting telephone conversation with the president of self-ruled Taiwan, which China claims as its own.

Trump and Xi subsequently smoothed over the dispute last month in a phone call in which the US leader reiterated Washington&#39;s adherence to the &quot;one-China&quot; policy that nominally endorses Beijing&#39;s claim to Taiwan.

In the wake of the Xi-Trump conversation, Li said he saw &quot;bright prospects&quot; for bilateral relations.

&quot;I believe whatever differences we have, we can still sit down and talk to each other and work together to find solutions,&quot; he said.

Li&#39;s parliament-ending press conference is the only time each year that foreign journalists are allowed to put questions to a member of China&#39;s elite leadership inner circle, though they are pre-approved.&nbsp;

Li is second only to Xi in the Communist Party hierarchy.

Fasten your seat belts

Li cited a report which he said indicated that if a trade war occurred, &quot;foreign-invested companies, in particular, US firms, would bear the brunt of it&quot;.

Li vowed that China would continue to act as a steady pillar of the global economy despite trimming its domestic economic growth forecast for this year.

Delivering his government&#39;s annual report to the rubber-stamp National People&#39;s Congress 10 days earlier, Li cited a &quot;more complicated and graver situation&quot; facing the global and domestic economy this year.

He said the government growth target for 2017 was &quot;around 6.5 percent, or higher if possible,&quot; a further deceleration after full-year growth last year came in at 6.7 percent, weakest since 1990.

He said Wednesday that achieving the 2016 target &quot;will not be easy&quot;, and warned that China faced a plethora of financial risks at home.

China is trying to pivot from hyper-fast growth based on investment, heavily-polluting industries, and exports towards a steadier consumer-driven model.

But the transition is complicated by the slowing growth, a slumping currency, bloated industrial firms, capital flight abroad, and fears of a looming housing bubble and bad-loan crisis.

Li said China would &quot;continue to be a strong driving force in the face of a sluggish global economy recovery.&quot;&nbsp;

But he added that Chinese policymakers need to &quot;take very seriously the risks we are facing on the domestic front, especially in the financial sector.&quot;

&quot;We need to fasten our seat belts and prevent any acute outburst of financial risks and we will also make sure that we prevent any regional and systemic risks,&quot; he said.

Trump&#39;s Secretary of State Rex Tillerson will visit Japan, South Korea and China beginning later this week, with tensions soaring in the region.

North Korea has caused alarm with its latest missile tests while US-South Korean military exercises have added to the discord.

China also has strongly hit back against the US deployment in South Korea of an anti-missile defence system aimed at the North Korean threat but which China says weakens its own defences.

Li issued a call for all sides to work toward defusing the situation, apparently speaking for China in saying &quot;no one wants to have chaos at their doorstep.&quot;

(AFP)

Li added that US firms based in China would likely bear the brunt of a trade war if it occurred in the future

Chinese premier Li Keqiang on Wednesday warned the United States against starting a trade war while expressing optimism that the world's two largest economies could keep relations steady despite Trump-era frictions. "We don’t want to see any trade war breaking out between the two countries. That wouldn’t make our trade fairer," Li told reporters at a press conference closing China's annual parliamentary session. "No matter what bumps the China-US relationship may run into, we hope this relationship will continue to move forward in a positive direction." China and the United States are currently discussing arrangements for a summit between President Donald Trump and his counterpart Xi Jinping that could help ease tensions stoked by Trump's fiery election campaign rhetoric. Trump threatened to upend decades of multilateralism and raised fears of a trade war with China while on the campaign trail. I believe whatever differences we have, we can still sit down and talk to each other and work together to find solutions × After his election victory, he angered Beijing with a protocol-busting telephone conversation with the president of self-ruled Taiwan, which China claims as its own. Trump and Xi subsequently smoothed over the dispute last month in a phone call in which the US leader reiterated Washington's adherence to the "one-China" policy that nominally endorses Beijing's claim to Taiwan. In the wake of the Xi-Trump conversation, Li said he saw "bright prospects" for bilateral relations. "I believe whatever differences we have, we can still sit down and talk to each other and work together to find solutions," he said. Li's parliament-ending press conference is the only time each year that foreign journalists are allowed to put questions to a member of China's elite leadership inner circle, though they are pre-approved. Li is second only to Xi in the Communist Party hierarchy. Fasten your seat belts Li cited a report which he said indicated that if a trade war occurred, "foreign-invested companies, in particular, US firms, would bear the brunt of it". Li vowed that China would continue to act as a steady pillar of the global economy despite trimming its domestic economic growth forecast for this year. Delivering his government's annual report to the rubber-stamp National People's Congress 10 days earlier, Li cited a "more complicated and graver situation" facing the global and domestic economy this year. He said the government growth target for 2017 was "around 6.5 percent, or higher if possible," a further deceleration after full-year growth last year came in at 6.7 percent, weakest since 1990. He said Wednesday that achieving the 2016 target "will not be easy", and warned that China faced a plethora of financial risks at home. China is trying to pivot from hyper-fast growth based on investment, heavily-polluting industries, and exports towards a steadier consumer-driven model. But the transition is complicated by the slowing growth, a slumping currency, bloated industrial firms, capital flight abroad, and fears of a looming housing bubble and bad-loan crisis. Li said China would "continue to be a strong driving force in the face of a sluggish global economy recovery." But he added that Chinese policymakers need to "take very seriously the risks we are facing on the domestic front, especially in the financial sector." "We need to fasten our seat belts and prevent any acute outburst of financial risks and we will also make sure that we prevent any regional and systemic risks," he said. Trump's Secretary of State Rex Tillerson will visit Japan, South Korea and China beginning later this week, with tensions soaring in the region. North Korea has caused alarm with its latest missile tests while US-South Korean military exercises have added to the discord. China also has strongly hit back against the US deployment in South Korea of an anti-missile defence system aimed at the North Korean threat but which China says weakens its own defences. Li issued a call for all sides to work toward defusing the situation, apparently speaking for China in saying "no one wants to have chaos at their doorstep." (AFP)

China premier Li Keqiang warns US against trade war

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