UPDATE - China’s Xi calls for cease-fire in Gaza, ‘de-escalation’ between Russia, Ukraine

UPDATES WITH MORE DETAILS; CHANGES HEADLINE, DECK; EDITS THROUGH

ISTANBUL (AA) - China’s President Xi Jinping called on Wednesday for a de-escalation between Russia and Ukraine as the Moscow-Kyiv war has nearly been going on for three years.

Addressing a closed-door session of leaders of BRICS member nations in the Russian city of Kazan, the Chinese president also called for a cease-fire in Gaza and Lebanon amid Israel's air bombardment.

Among the audience was Russian President Vladimir Putin, who chaired the summit, besides the leaders of Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates, who are taking part in the bloc's summit for the first time since becoming official members in January.

Xi said Russia and Ukraine should uphold “three principles of no expansion of the battlefield, no escalation of fighting and no provocation by any party, to work for de-escalation of the Ukraine crisis as soon as possible.”

Russia launched "a special operation" against Ukraine in February 2022. Hundreds of thousands of people have been killed while millions have since been displaced.

"Only by embracing the vision of common, comprehensive, cooperative, and sustainable security can we pave the way for universal security," said Xi.

"It is important to promote an immediate cease-fire in Gaza, and make unremitting efforts toward a comprehensive, just, and lasting resolution of the Palestinian question," he added.

The ongoing air bombardment and ground offensive by Israel inside the Palestinian enclave of Gaza and neighboring Lebanon has killed over 44,000 since October last year.

- 'Solidarity and cooperation'

Xi also said the world has entered "a new period defined by turbulence and transformation."

"Should we allow the world to descend into the abyss of disorder and chaos, or should we strive to steer it back on the path of peace and development?" he asked the BRICS leadership.

"The more tumultuous our times become, the more we must stand firm at the forefront, exhibiting tenacity, demonstrating the audacity to pioneer, and displaying the wisdom to adapt," said the Chinese leader, calling for "strengthening solidarity and cooperation among Global South nations.

Xi said the BRICS adhered to the vision of "global governance characterized by extensive consultation, joint contribution, and shared benefits."

"We must ensure that global governance reform is guided by the principles of fairness, justice, openness, and inclusiveness," he said, advocating the expansion of the emerging bloc.

"We should advance the process of expanding BRICS membership and establishing a partner country mechanism, and enhance the representation and voice of developing nations in global governance," he added.

Flagging the urgency of reforming the international financial architecture, Xi stressed on strengthening the New Development Bank of the BRICS.

He also announced 10 learning centers in BRICS countries over the next five years.