Premier Li Qiang has called on the BRICS countries, which, he said, stand at the forefront of the Global South, to strive to be the pioneering force in advancing global governance reform.

Li made the remarks on Sunday when addressing the plenary session on "Peace and Security and Global Governance Reform" of the 17th BRICS Summit, which was held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on Sunday and Monday.

He called on the BRICS countries to work together to uphold justice and safeguard world peace and tranquility, focus on development to bolster economic growth, and advocate inclusiveness to promote exchanges and mutual learning among various civilizations.

The summit came as the international multilateral system continues to erode, the 90-day pause on additional tariffs imposed by the United States nears its end on Wednesday, and global trade, security and governance face uncertainty and new challenges.

Given the situation, all eyes were on the 17th BRICS Summit to see what kind of strategy the champion of the Global South and a stabilizing force in an increasingly volatile world comes up with to tone down differences and ensure a fair and balanced international order, observers said.

Addressing the summit, Li said that transformations unseen in a century are accelerating in the world, international rules and order face serious challenges, and the authority and efficacy of multilateral mechanisms are weakening.

The vision of global governance put forward by President Xi Jinping, characterized by extensive consultation and joint contribution with benefits shared by all, holds even greater value and relevance, he said.

"In the face of heightened differences and disagreements, we need the spirit of equality and respect to enable more extensive consultation," the premier said. "In the face of deeply intertwined and shared interests, we need united and collaborative actions to enhance our joint contribution."

Li emphasized that power politics and bullying are never the right way to solve problems, and that the security and development of all countries should be respected.

He said that development should not be a zero-sum game where one profits at the expense of the other, but should be win-win cooperation where all can benefit through mutual assistance.