Chinese President Xi Jinping's reaffirmation of multilateralism has been widely accepted by world leaders and business representatives. Many are lauding China's role in the bloc and the world in a time of growing unilateralism and protectionism.

President Xi's ideas have inspired not only fellow BRICS countries, but also experts and policy-makers from other countries represented in Johannesburg.

HUSSEIN ISMAIL, POLITICAL ANALYST EGYPT STATE INFORMATION SERVICE "China is serious about protecting the unilateral trade system. It is keeping the world out of chaos.  China is following the principle that what applies to one doesn't necessarily apply to all. China is not seeking to sell its development model to other countries. It respects different national conditions and policy-making models.  Emerging economies can benefit from China's ideas. BRICS countries will benefit first."

China is now seeking to expand the reach of BRICS by inviting other developing countries to cooperate under a new banner, "BRICS Plus". The new method welcomes new economies to join BRICS countries as a bloc and cooperate with other regional and global organizations like the UN and the EU. This concept has been welcomed by BRICS countries.

Many policy-makers say China's stance on multilateralism has given them the confidence to fight protectionism and trade conflicts. MA KE, CGTN.