Main events of the week in China: from the BRICS summit to Earth’s protection
This week (September 6–12), Chinese diplomacy has been especially active. Chinese President Xi Jinping called on BRICS countries for unity and the defense of a multilateral trade system. There were major high-level meetings with Portugal and the United States, and the international services fair CIFTIS was held. In addition, China announced plans to carry out a unique test to protect Earth from asteroids.
1. BRICS Summit
On September 8, at the virtual BRICS summit, Xi Jinping urged member countries to jointly protect the multilateral trade system. He emphasized that economic globalization is irreversible and that no country can prosper in isolation. According to him, China’s proposed Global Governance Initiative is aimed at creating a fairer and more equitable international system.
2. Diplomatic activity
During the week, Xi Jinping held several important meetings. On September 9 in Beijing he received Portuguese Prime Minister Luís Montenegro, highly praising the 20th anniversary of the all-encompassing strategic partnership between the two countries. The Portuguese Prime Minister acknowledged China’s key role in international affairs and called for support toward a peaceful resolution in Ukraine. That same day, Xi Jinping congratulated North Korean leader Kim Jong Un on the 77th anniversary of the country’s founding.
3. CIFTIS 2025 International Services Fair
From September 10 to 14, the China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS) was held in Beijing, bringing together around 2,000 companies from 85 countries. The event became a key platform for discussing the reduction of trade barriers and strengthening international cooperation. China’s trade in services in the first half of 2025 reached a record 3.9 trillion yuan, confirming CIFTIS as an important driver of growth.
4. Dialogue between China and the USA
On September 10, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and U.S. Secretary of State Marko Rubio held telephone talks, as did the heads of defense ministries of the two countries. China warned the U.S. against negative actions undermining China’s sovereignty and interference in internal affairs, especially concerning Taiwan. U.S. officials, in turn, stated that they do not seek conflict with China.
5. Earth protection program
In 2025, China plans to conduct a test of an asteroid defense system. The mission will simulate a collision with an asteroid in order to shift its orbit by 3–5 centimeters. This will ensure there is no threat of collision with Earth for several decades and demonstrate China’s ability to protect the planet.
ORIENT
