Xi Jinping Calls for Greater BRICS Cooperation on AI, Peace and Global Governance

Chinese President Xi Jinping has called on BRICS members to strengthen cooperation in artificial intelligence, promote global economic development and contribute to peace and stability in West Asia, as the grouping held its 18th Summit in New Delhi.

Addressing the summit on Saturday, Xi described BRICS as the world’s most influential cooperation platform for emerging markets and developing countries, saying two decades of cooperation had demonstrated the group’s “vigorous vitality” and moved it into a new stage of high-quality development.

Xi said BRICS cooperation had expanded across trade, investment, finance, science and technology while helping member countries respond to challenges including the global financial crisis, the COVID-19 pandemic and climate change.

He said the growing influence of the Global South and the trend towards a multipolar world were becoming increasingly evident. At the same time, he warned that unilateralism and power politics were creating wider deficits in peace, development, security and global governance.

Xi urged BRICS countries to help build a fairer international order and work toward what he described as a community with a shared future for humanity.

Xi placed artificial intelligence at the centre of his economic agenda, calling on BRICS members to expand cooperation in AI, promote open-source technologies and strengthen industrial and supply-chain cooperation.

He also proposed a BRICS Initiative on Artificial Intelligence Empowering New Industrialization, aimed at using AI to support industrial development among member countries.

Xi warned against economic fragmentation and protectionism, saying attempts to “decouple” economies or disrupt global supply chains would not stop development but could instead divide the world.

The Chinese president also focused heavily on the worsening situation in West Asia and the Gulf region.

He called for an immediate de-escalation of tensions, an end to conflict and a permanent and comprehensive ceasefire, while urging countries to address the underlying causes of regional instability and rebuild mutual trust.

Xi said the Palestinian issue remained at the core of the Middle East conflict and reiterated China’s support for implementing the two-state solution and achieving peaceful coexistence between Israel and Palestine.

“China is willing to work with BRICS members to play its due role in achieving peace and tranquillity in the Middle East and the Gulf region,” Xi said.

The summit also adopted the New Delhi Declaration, in which BRICS members expressed deep concern over the continued escalation of tensions in West Asia.

The declaration called for maximum restraint, protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure, and greater reliance on dialogue and diplomacy to achieve lasting peace and stability.

It also stressed the importance of maintaining the smooth flow of global trade, supply chains and energy in accordance with international law.

Xi announced that China will assume the BRICS presidency next year and host the 19th BRICS Summit.

He said Beijing would work with all members to build consensus and usher in what he described as the “third golden decade” of BRICS cooperation.

The 18th BRICS Summit is being hosted by India in New Delhi on September 12–13 under the theme “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability.” Xi also thanked Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Indian government for hosting the summit.