New Delhi, 13 September (H.S.): Chinese President Xi Jinping on Sunday called for stronger BRICS cooperation and a more active role for the Global South in shaping international affairs, saying emerging economies must work together to promote stability, uphold multilateralism and advance shared development.

Addressing the second session of the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi on Sunday, Xi thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Indian government for hosting the meeting. He said the world is undergoing profound changes and that the collective rise of the Global South has become an important force behind the evolution of a multipolar international order.

Xi said BRICS countries should seize what he described as a historic opportunity to mobilise the Global South and act as a stabilising and constructive force in international affairs. He argued that international rules should be formulated collectively by all countries and rejected the principle that power should determine rights.

Calling for greater adherence to international law, Xi said countries should uphold sovereign equality, non-interference in internal affairs and the peaceful settlement of disputes. He stressed that international rules must be applied universally and without double standards.

The Chinese president also advocated stronger multilateral institutions and greater participation of developing countries in global decision-making. He called for continued reform of the United Nations system and support for the World Trade Organization, including the preservation of the most-favoured-nation principle. He also backed greater support for the New Development Bank and reform of the international financial architecture to enhance the representation and voice of developing nations.

People-Centred Development

Xi emphasised that development should remain centred on people and urged Global South countries to accelerate implementation of the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

He highlighted China’s Global Development Initiative, saying that since its launch five years ago, more than 2,000 projects had been implemented in cooperation with other countries and training had been provided to more than 200,000 professionals. He also said China had extended zero-tariff treatment to all 53 African countries with which it maintains diplomatic relations.

On climate change and emerging technologies, Xi called for stronger global climate governance and full implementation of the Paris Agreement. He also urged countries to adopt a people-centred approach to artificial intelligence and work towards a consensus-based global AI governance framework.

Five Initiatives for Deeper BRICS Cooperation

Xi proposed five initiatives aimed at strengthening practical cooperation among BRICS members and other emerging economies.

Under the first initiative, China proposed greater cooperation on open-source and inclusive artificial intelligence. Beijing plans to establish a BRICS AI open-source community, encourage collaboration on large language models, organise specialised AI seminars and training programmes, and develop an open AI ecosystem.

The second initiative focuses on trade and investment facilitation. China proposed establishing a BRICS special economic zone partnership through which member countries could coordinate policies and develop new platforms for open economic cooperation. Beijing also announced plans to host a BRICS Forum on Trade in Services next year.

The third initiative seeks to deepen digital industry cooperation through the proposed establishment of a BRICS digital ecosystem cloud platform. The initiative would promote digital skills training, technological exchanges and closer alignment between industries.

The fourth initiative focuses on intelligent manufacturing. Xi said China was prepared to assist BRICS partners in developing smart factories, establishing standards and norms, and accelerating the transformation and upgrading of manufacturing industries.

The fifth initiative concerns scientific and technological talent development. China proposed establishing a BRICS engineer cultivation alliance to promote joint training and mutual recognition of competency standards. Beijing will also launch a BRICS youth exchange programme focused on scientific and technological innovation.

China’s Development and Global Cooperation

Xi said 2026 marks the launch of China’s 15th Five-Year Plan for economic and social development, describing it as not only a blueprint for China’s domestic development but also a potential cooperation agenda for other countries.

He said China would continue pursuing high-quality development, expand high-standard opening up, implement the Global Development Initiative and promote high-quality Belt and Road cooperation.

Xi concluded by calling on BRICS members to work together to deepen cooperation and strengthen unity within the Global South, saying collective action could help open a new chapter of greater strength and shared prosperity.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar