BEIJING, June 23. /TASS/. Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday called Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa - collectively known as BRICS - to stand together against unilateral sanctions and reject a confrontation of blocs.

We need to reject the Cold War mentality and bloc confrontation, oppose unilateral sanctions and abuse of sanctions, and reject the small circles built around hegemonism," the Chinese Foreign Ministry quoted him as saying by in a video address at the summit of the countries.

The Chinese leader also called on BRICS to encourage the international community to practice true multilateralism and uphold the international system with the UN at its core.

The 14th BRICS summit is being held by video link. Its agenda includes promoting global development, discussing world economic problems, as well as strengthening the role of developing countries. China is chairing BRICS this year.