On Thursday, China hosted a virtual meeting with the leaders of Brazil, Russia, India and South Africa — a group known collectively as BRICS. Chinese President Xi Jinping opened the meeting by saying nations need to reject “Cold War mentality.” He called for opposition to unilateral sanctions, in a reference to efforts by the United States and its allies to isolate Russia after it invaded Ukraine. Russian President Vladimir Putin also addressed the virtual summit.

President Vladimir Putin: “The countries of our alliance, BRICS, are intensifying their cooperation on a whole range of issues of international and regional agendas. BRICS countries’ authority and global influence are growing with every year. It’s an objective process, because the BRICS 5 are well known for having enormous political, economic, scientific and social potential. We have all the opportunities to work together effectively and to develop global stability and security, sustainable growth, prosperity and improvements to the well-being of the population.”