BRICS countries deplore North Korean nuclear test, oppose protectionism - draft communique

XIAMEN, China (Reuters) - The nations of the BRICS grouping strongly deplore North Korea's nuclear test but the problem over its nuclear programme should only be settled through peaceful means and dialogue, they said in a draft communique seen by Reuters on Monday.

In its sixth and most powerful nuclear test on Sunday, North Korea detonated what it said was an advanced hydrogen bomb for a long-range missile, prompting a vow of "massive" military response from the United States if it or its allies were threatened.

"We express deep concern over the ongoing tension and prolonged nuclear issue on the Korean peninsula," the draft communique said.

A formal communique, known as the "Xiamen Declaration", is expected to be issued at a meeting attended by heads of state from the five major emerging economies in the grouping - Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa - in the Chinese coastal city of Xiamen.

BRICS countries will continue to firmly oppose protectionism as they are committed to an "open and inclusive" multilateral trading system, the draft communique said.

It emphasized the need to be vigilant in guarding against "inward-looking policies" that could hurt global market confidence, calling for BRICS countries to strengthen macroeconomic and structural policy coordination.

It also called upon all countries to fully implement the Paris climate agreement, while pledging to enhance BRICS cooperation on climate change and energy and to expand green financing.

The five emerging economies agreed to jointly establish a BRICS local currency bond fund, the draft communique added.

(Reporting by Michael Martina and Yawen Chen; Editing by Robert Birsel and Clarence Fernandez)