At top of the program, we go to Johannesburg, South Africa, where leaders of BRICS nations have gathered for this year's summit. At an open session, Chinese President Xi Jinping called on all parties to safeguard global peace and security, and uphold multilateralism. Wang Qiwei has more.

A symbol of goodwill at the annual BRICS summit.

It comes at a time when the world is facing challenges of unilateralism and protectionism.

XI JINPING CHINESE PRESIDENT "The trend of history continues to move forward independent of people's wish. We BRICS countries must therefore have a keen grasp of the trend of our times, deepen our strategic partnerships, and consolidate our cooperation framework, that are underpinned by economic political and security cooperation, and people to people exchanges. This way we will turn our vision of a second golden decade into a reality and build a community with a shared future for mankind. "

Earlier on Thursday, President Xi met with his Brazilian counterpart Michel Temer.

President Xi stressed that the two countries should strengthen cooperation in all areas, and to push forward the high quality growth in trade.

President Temer said Brazil attaches great importance to the Belt and Road Initiative, and the two countries should enhance communication in both international and regional affairs.

At the BRICS Business Forum on Wednesday, President Xi said a trade war should be rejected as there will be no winner.

XI JINPING CHINESE PRESIDENT "The BRICS countries must uphold multilateralism. We should urge all parties to fully observe collectively adopted international rules, and we should treat all countries as equals regardless of their size, address issues that matter to all through consultation and oppose hegemony and power politics."

The BRICS nations make up 40 percent of the world's population, and contributed to 23 percent of global GDP last year.

President Xi says only by opening up can these countries achieve shared prosperity and sustainable development.

WQW, CGTN.