President Trump has called for improved terms for the United States in ongoing North American Free Trade Agreement negotiations under threat of leaving the pact, and has said he will withdraw his country from the Paris climate accord.
Xi said on Tuesday that China will contribute $500 million for a South-South cooperation assistance fund to help other developing countries deal with famine, refugees, climate change and public health challenges.
The BRICS leaders are joined by observer nations Thailand, Mexico, Egypt, Guinea and Tajikistan, and officials will discuss a “BRICS Plus” plan to possibly expand the bloc to new members.
Xi said developed nations needed to provide more assistance to developing countries, while the BRICS nations and their developing country partners should oppose protectionism.
