China Invites Pakistan Foreign Minister for Talks After BRICS Meet
The BRICS summit concluded on Tuesday.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Chinese President Xi Jinping for bilateral talks on Tuesday, the last day of the BRICS summit. Modi and other leaders adopted the Xiamen declaration at the ninth edition of BRICS Summit on Monday. The leaders condemned terrorism and, for the first time ever, named Pakistan-based terror outfits like the LeT and the JeM, among other terror groups in the declaration.
China on Wednesday said it has invited Pakistan's Foreign Minister for talks, in an apparent move to assuage Islamabad's concerns.
The Xiamen summit is the first BRICS gathering after New Delhi and Beijing decided on an "expeditious disengagement" of their border troops in the disputed Doklam area on 28 August. After China, PM Modi will leave for a three-day visit to Myanmar.
- PM Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping met on the summit sidelines, their first bilateral meet after the Doklam resolution
- ‘Healthy & stable’ China-India ties were the need of the hour, Xi said.
- At the BRICS Business Council meeting, PM Modi said the GST was India’s biggest economic reform
- The BRICS leaders condemned terror outfits, named Pakistan-based LeT, JeM, Haqqani network, Taliban, Al Qaeda
- The Chinese President has announced $76mn for BRICS economic cooperation
Chinese Foreign Minister to Meet Pak Counterpart
China said on Wednesday it has invited Pakistan's Foreign Minister for talks, in an apparent move to assuage Islamabad's concerns after the BRICS countries for the first time named Pakistan-based terrorist groups like LeT and JeM in the grouping's declaration.
Foreign Minister Mohammed Asif will pay an official visit to China on September 8, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said. Chinese leaders will meet Asif and Foreign Minister Wang Yi will hold talks with him, he said.
Asif was supposed to travel to China, Russia, Turkey and Iran this week to drum up support for Islamabad after US President Donald Trump warned Pakistan of consequences if it continues to support terror groups.
Pakistan Rejects BRICS Statement
The Pakistan government has rejected the statement made by the BRICS powers at the summit which condemned the country for being a safe haven for terror groups.
The official handle of the government tweeted,
Pakistan said that no terrorist organisation ‘has any complete safe havens’ in their country, with the Defence Minister Khurram Dastagir Khan saying that they were clearing out remnants of these organisations.
PM Modi Thanks Chinese Govt
Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to Twitter to express that the BRICS Summit was “extremely productive”.
He also thanked the people of China for their “warm hospitality” during the Summit.
'Reaffirmed that Differences Will Not Become Disputes'
Briefing the media after bilateral meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping, Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar said that “peace and tranquility is a prerequisite” for the further development of India-China ties.
The two leaders had a “forward-looking” conversation, in a meeting that lasted an hour, said Jaishankar.
He added that issues of counter-terrorism were not discussed during the bilateral meet.
'Seek Guidance from the Panchsheel Treaty'
Chinese President Xi Jinping told Prime Minister Narendra Modi that China was prepared to work with India to seek guidance from the five principles of Panchsheel.
The Panchseel Treaty, signed in 1954, is a set of principles for the peaceful coexistence of both states. Jinping told PM Modi that ‘healthy, stable’ China-India ties necessary, reported Xinhua.
During the bilateral meeting, Xi also said:
According to Xinhua, Jinping met Modi and called to push forward China-India ties on "right track".
Modi-Xi Bilateral Meet Underway
The bilateral meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Narendra Modi is underway in Xiamen.
The Ministry of External Affairs is expected to hold a briefing, post the meeting. Foreign Secretary Jaishanker and NSA Ajit Doval also present during the meet. The Chinese delegation comprised President Xi Jinping, Chief Spokesperson Lu Kang, Foreign Minister Wang Yi and State Councilor Yang Jiechi, reported ANI.
Watch: PM Modi Addresses Emerging Markets Dialogue
Speaking at the ‘Dialogue of Emerging Markets’, on the second day of the BRICS Summit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that it was important for the group-countries to “be together and grow together”.
He said that the countries should work to building a world “brick by brick, through BRICS”.
Leaders Attend Dialogue of Emerging Markets
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, along with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived to attend ‘Dialogue of Emerging Market & Developing Countries’ in Xiamen.
Modi and Xi are expected to hold bilateral meeting at 10 am on Tuesday.
Modi to Meet Jinping at 10 am on Tuesday
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping will hold a bilateral meeting in Xiamen on Tuesday, reports said on Monday quoting MEA officials.
China Indicates Jinping-Modi Meet
China on Monday indicated that there will be a meeting between its President Xi Jinping and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Firstpost reported.
While the meeting will happen on the sidelines, China declined to say whether Doklam will feature in the talks between the two nations.
BRICS Leaders Sign Four Agreements on Mutual Cooperation
BRICS Nations Deplore North Korean Nuclear Test
The nations of the BRICS grouping strongly deplore North Korea's nuclear test but the problem over its nuclear programme should only be settled through peaceful means and dialogue, they said in a draft communique on Monday.
In its sixth and most powerful nuclear test on Sunday, North Korea detonated what it said was an advanced hydrogen bomb for a long-range missile, prompting a vow of "massive" military response from the United States if it or its allies were threatened.
"We express deep concern over the ongoing tension and prolonged nuclear issue on the Korean peninsula," the draft communique said.
China Pledges Small Increase in Funding for BRICS
China will give 500 million yuan ($76.4 million) for a BRICS economic and technology cooperation plan, and another $4 million for projects at the BRICS countries' New Development Bank, Chinese President Xi Jinping said on Monday.
The newly announced $80 million funding plan pales in comparison to China's $124 billion pledge earlier in May in a push for Xi's own Belt and Road initiative, which aims to expand links between Asia, Africa, Europe and beyond as a new way to boost global development.
The announcement came amid questions over the relevance of BRICS and China's commitment to its New Development Bank (NDB) in light of the Belt and Road initiative and the China-led Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank.
Xi Calls for BRICS to Play a Bigger Role in World Governance
Five major emerging economies opened a summit Monday to map out their future course, with host Chinese President Xi Jinping calling on them to play a bigger role in world governance, reject protectionism and inject new energy into tackling the gap between the world's wealthy and developing nations.
“We need to make the international order more just and equitable,” he told the leaders of Brazil, Russia, India and South Africa in his opening address. “Our ever closer ties with the rest of the world require that our five countries play a more active role in world governance. Without us, ... many challenges cannot be effectively resolved.”
Xi said they should “speak with one voice” to jointly present their solutions to global problems and safeguard their common interests.
Modi Attends Opening Ceremony of BRICS Cultural Fest
GST is India's Biggest Economic Reform: Modi
PM Narendra Modi while addressing the BRICS Business Council on Monday said that the Goods and Services Tax (GST) is India’s biggest economic reform ever.
He further said that programs like Digital India, Start-Up India and Make in India are changing India’s economic landscape.
“These programs are helping turn India into a knowledge based- skill supported- technology driven society,” he said.
PM Modi Meets Brazilian Prez Temer
Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Brazilian President Micheal Temer on the sidelines of the 9th BRICS Summit in Xiamen.
BRICS Nations Pledge to Fight Tax Evasion
The BRICS Summit of five emerging economies on Monday pledged itself to creating a fair and modern global tax system that will address issues like tax evasion by shifting of profits to safe havens and to promote exchange of tax information that will seek to curb the practice.
At its 9th Summit here attended by leaders of the BRICS nations, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the five-nation grouping also decided to support the strengthening of international cooperation against corruption, including through the BRICS Anti-Corruption Working Group. This will also extend to matters related to asset recovery and persons sought for corruption.
The declaration was adopted at the end of the Summit during the plenary of which Modi said India has stepped up the fight against black money and corruption.
Watch: MEA Addresses Media on BRICS Plenary Session
Addressing a press conference, following the adoption of Xiamen Declaration by the BRICS leaders, Preeti Saran of the Ministry of External Affairs said that there was "complete consensus" among member countries in passing the Xiamen declaration.
Xiamen Declaration Condemning Terror
BRICS Passes Declaration Against Terrorism
The BRICS leaders passed a declaration condemning terrorism in all forms and manifestation. The declaration read:
BRICS declaration named Pakistan-based LeT, JeM, Haqqani network, Taliban, Al Qaeda, among groups.
PM Modi Meets Russian Prez Putin
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin held a bilateral meeting in Xiamen on Monday with trade and investment, natural gas, tourism and youth exchanges featuring in their discussions.
The two leaders, who met on the sidelines of the BRICS summit, “basically touched upon several aspects of the bilateral relationship”, Indian External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said, briefing reporters here.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Russian President Vladimir Putin, on the sidelines of ninth BRICS Summit in Xiamen.
“Furthering a special and privileged strategic partnership. PM @narendramodi meets President Putin on the sidelines of BRICS Summit,” the Indian External Affairs Ministry spokesperson tweeted.
PM Modi and Putin last met in St Petersburg in June for the annual India-Russia summit, and later at the SCO meeting in Astana – where India was made a permanent member of the organisation.
Watch: PM Modi Addresses Plenary Session At BRICS Summit
PM Modi Urges Early Creation of BRICS Rating Agency
In his statement at the plenary session of BRICS Summit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that the nations have developed a robust framework for cooperation, contribution of stability and growth, in a world drifting towards uncertainty. He added that cooperation among BRICS nations is important for peace and development.
Modi urged the early creation of BRICS rating agency to cater to financing needs of sovereign and corporate entities of developing countries.
Appreciating thrust in people-to-people exchanges, the prime minister stated that such “inter-mingling will consolidate our links & deepen our understanding”.
China, Russia Agree to Denuclearise Korean Peninsula
Chinese President Xi Jinping and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin have reportedly agreed to denuclearisation on the Korean Peninsula and keep communication, reported People’s Daily of China.
Xi Addresses Plenary Session
Addressing the plenary session, Chinese President Xi Jinping said that BRICS cooperation has become more important, as world goes undergoes a ‘profound change’.
He said that despite the differences between the five countries, all BRICS nations are at similar stage of development and share the same cause. Jinping also called for more ‘effective people to people exchange’ between the BRICS nations.
The Chinese president said that without participation by BRICS nations, pressing global issues “cannot be resolved”.
Plenary Session Underway at 9th BRICS Summit
The 9th BRICS summit began with the plenary session in Xiamen on Monday.
BRICS Summit Kicks Off in Xiamen
The BRICS Summit began in Xiamen with a group photograph of leaders of the five countries and was preceded by a warm handshake between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping, who received the leaders of Brazil, Russia and South Africa ahead of the restricted meeting of the grouping.
Modi was the third leader to reach the convention centre, followed by Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Modi is also scheduled to hold a bilateral meeting with Xi tomorrow.
Watch: Xi Jinping Welcomes Modi At International Conference Centre
Jinping also welcomed Brazil’s President Michel Temer and South African President Jacob Zuma at the International Conference Centre.
“In terms of BRICS cooperation, decisions are made through consultation (and) not by one country. We respect each other’s model of development, accommodate each other’s concern and work to enhance strategic communication and mutual trust,” Xi said at the BRICS business forum on 3 September.
PM Narendra Modi is scheduled to attend BRICS plenary session, and theopening ceremony of BRICS Cultural Festival in Xiamen on Monday. He will also attend meeting with BRICS Business Council and Signing Ceremony in Xiamen.
Modi Arrives for Welcome Ceremony
PM Narendra Modi has arrived at International Conference Center in Xiamen for welcome ceremony of the BRICS Summit. Russian President Vladimir Putin has also arrived at the venue.
Modi Meets Indian Community at Xiamen
Upon reaching Xiamen for the BRICS Summit, Modi met and interacted with members of the Indian diaspora. He later tweeted saying,
PM Modi Arrives in China
PM Modi has reached Xiamen in China, were the 9th BRICS summit is scheduled to be held, reported ANI.
He is expected to hold bilateral meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin and other leaders on the sidelines of summit.
People Want Cooperation, Not Confrontation: Xi Jinping
Chinese President Xi Jinping on Sunday said people all are for peace and cooperation, not conflict and confrontation.
In his address at the opening ceremony of the BRICS Business Forum, he also said the threat of terrorism has cast a “dark shadow” on the world but stressed that “resolving geopolitical hotspot issues was the need of the hour”.
“I am convinced that as long as we take a holistic approach to fighting terrorism in all its forms, and address both its symptoms and root causes, terrorists will have no place to hide,” Xi added.
PM Modi Leaves for China
PM Modi left for China on 3 September, hours after a major reshuffle of his Cabinet.
In a Facebook post, PM Modi wrote: “I look forward to building upon the results and outcomes of the Goa Summit. I also look forward to productive discussions and positive outcomes that will support the agenda of a stronger BRICS partnership under the chairmanship of China.”
PM Looks Forward to Productive BRICS Summit
PM Modi has said he was looking forward to productive discussions and positive outcomes at the upcoming BRICS summit in China, noting that it has to make important contributions in upholding peace and security and address global challenges.
“In addition, I look forward to engaging with leaders of nine other countries, including BRICS partners, in an Emerging Markets and Developing Countries Dialogue, hosted by President Xi Jinping on 5 September. I will have the opportunity to meet leaders bilaterally on the sidelines of the Summit,” he said.
“India attaches high importance to the role of BRICS that has begun a second decade of its partnership for progress and peace. BRICS has important contributions to make in addressing global challenges and upholding world peace and security,” the PM wrote in a Facebook post.
On his Myanmar visit from September 5-7, Modi hoped it will help in charting a roadmap for closer cooperation between the two countries.
Beijing Won't Discuss Pak's Counter-terrorism Record
China said, on 31 August, that concerns over Pakistan's counter-terrorism record is not an "appropriate topic" to be discussed at next week's BRICS summit, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping are expected to meet.
Indicating that Beijing was averse to the criticism of its close ally at the summit to be held in Xiamen, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying told a media briefing in Beijing: “We noticed that India when it comes to Pakistan’s counter-terrorism has some concerns. I don’t think this is an appropriate topic to be discussed at BRICS summit.”
Also Read: Pak Working to Counter Terror, Topic Not Fit For BRICS Meet: China
China Wants To Resolve Differences With Mutual Respect
China on Wednesday sought to cast its strained ties with India in a positive light ahead of a likely meeting next week between President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Narendra Modi following their most serious military confrontation in decades.
It was normal for the two neighbours to have differences, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi told a news briefing. "What's important is that we put these problems in the appropriate place, and appropriately handle and control them in the spirit of mutual respect and based on the consensus of both countries' leaders," he said.
Also Read: Being in Bhutan on the Weekend the Doklam Issue Was Resolved
(At The Quint, we are answerable only to our audience. Play an active role in shaping our journalism by becoming a member. Because the truth is worth it.)