A business forum has been held on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit, with leaders calling for more cooperation. Chinese President Xi Jinping called for actions to enhance solidarity and cooperation to overcome risks and challenges, and to jointly build a better world. Sun Ye has more in Johannesburg.

South Africa's president wasted little time railing against protectionism and unilateralism.

China's Minister of Commerce read remarks on behalf of Chinese President Xi Jinping. In the statement, Xi repeatedly called for more cooperation, including advancing expansion of BRICS membership.

WANG WENTAO Chinese Minister of Commerce "Whatever resistance there may be, BRICS, a positive and stable force for good, will continue to grow. We will forge stronger BRICS strategic partnership, expand the 'BRICS Plus' model, actively advance membership expansion, deepen solidarity and cooperation with other EMDCs, promote global multipolarity and greater democracy in international relations, and help make the international order more just and equitable."

The Chinese comments were met several times with applause.

The summit's main session takes place Wednesday, when leaders will continue to discuss possible BRICS expansion. SY, CGTN, Johannesburg.