Chinese President Xi Jinping called for stronger cooperation among Global South countries at the BRICS Summit in New Delhi on Sunday, presenting five initiatives aimed at expanding collaboration in technology, trade, the digital economy, manufacturing and talent development.
Speaking during a session on inclusive global governance and strengthening multilateralism, Xi said BRICS nations should deepen ties with emerging markets and maintain open and mutually beneficial cooperation. He also stressed the importance of stable industrial and supply chains and called for the creation of a larger, integrated market to support economic growth and development.
A major focus of Xi’s proposals was artificial intelligence. China suggested creating a BRICS AI open-source community to encourage cooperation on large language models and promote a more open AI ecosystem. The proposal comes at a time when countries are increasingly looking at ways to expand access to advanced technologies while addressing concerns around their control and use.
Xi also proposed a trade and investment facilitation initiative. Under the plan, China suggested partnerships involving BRICS special economic zones and the creation of a BRICS Forum on Trade in Services, which is expected to be launched next year.
Another proposal focused on the digital economy. China put forward the idea of developing a BRICS digital ecosystem cloud platform, alongside programmes for digital skills training, technology exchanges and industrial cooperation. The initiative is intended to help member countries strengthen their digital capabilities and improve cooperation in emerging technologies.
On manufacturing, Xi proposed an intelligent manufacturing initiative under which China would support BRICS countries in developing smart factories and related standards. The aim, according to the proposal, is to accelerate industrial upgrades and make manufacturing more technologically advanced.
The fifth initiative focused on science and technology talent. China proposed establishing a BRICS engineer cultivation alliance and a youth exchange programme centred on scientific and technological innovation. The objective is to develop skilled professionals and encourage greater interaction among young people from member countries.
Alongside these economic and technological proposals, Xi highlighted the need for a rules-based international order. He argued that global rules should be shaped by all countries rather than being determined by a limited group of powers.
Xi said the principle of “might makes right” should have no place in international affairs. He called on Global South nations to uphold international law, sovereign equality, non-interference in internal affairs and the peaceful settlement of disputes.
He also stressed that international laws and rules should be applied equally, without double standards.
Xi’s remarks came as BRICS leaders gathered in New Delhi for the two-day summit, where issues including global governance, economic cooperation, technology, peace and development are being discussed. The summit has brought together leaders from BRICS member and partner countries, with India seeking to place greater emphasis on the role of the Global South in international decision-making.
The proposals presented by Xi underline China’s push for deeper economic and technological cooperation within the BRICS framework, while his comments on global governance reflect Beijing’s broader call for greater representation of developing countries in international institutions.
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