Chinese President Xi Jinping called on expanded BRICS members and partner countries to maintain stability in their industrial and supply chains on the closing day of the 18th BRICS Leaders’ Summit in New Delhi.
Speaking at the open session of the two-day summit, titled “Shaping the Future of Inclusive Global Growth: Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability,” Xi noted that maritime transport had been affected by disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz.
Multipolarity and the Global South
Xi said the expanded BRICS should make use of the advantages offered by its structure, which is based on emerging markets and connected to the Global South. The Chinese president called for maintaining openness and cooperation to achieve mutual benefits and win-win outcomes.
Noting that Global South countries had become one of the main forces driving the world toward multipolarity, Xi called on countries to uphold multilateralism and the rule of international law. He said international rules should be developed with the participation of all countries.
Xi said the notion that “might makes right” should have been abandoned long ago and called for preserving the authority and role of the United Nations. He also said reforms that would improve the efficiency of multilateral institutions should be supported.
Call for new arrangements in finance and trade
Calling for the development of the international financial architecture, Xi said the representation and decision-making power of developing countries should be increased. Calling for reform at the World Trade Organization in the right direction, Xi announced that China would continue advancing voluntary and unilateral opening-up.
Xi also called for supporting the operation and development of the New Development Bank. The Chinese president said cooperation among Global South countries should be strengthened and called on expanded BRICS countries to create integrated markets and establish a solid foundation for practical cooperation.
Artificial intelligence and digital industry plans
Xi said Global South countries should accelerate efforts to establish a global artificial intelligence governance framework based on broad consensus. He announced that China would lead the establishment of an artificial intelligence open-source zone for BRICS.
Xi also said they would support the development of a digital industry cloud platform for the bloc’s countries. Calling for the development of traditional industries, the growth of new sectors and forward-looking plans for future industries, Xi proposed initiatives on talent development in science and technology, smart manufacturing, digital industry, the facilitation of trade and investment, and open and inclusive artificial intelligence.
The Chinese president also proposed establishing a BRICS engineering education alliance and creating a partnership among BRICS countries for special economic zones.
Events to be hosted by China
Xi announced that China would host the BRICS Forum on Trade in Services in 2027. Beijing is also expected to host the bloc’s annual summit next year.
