During the BRICS 2026 Summit’s second day, Chinese President Xi Jinping underscored the need for enhanced collaboration among Global South nations, introducing a series of five initiatives designed to bolster ties among emerging economies. Xi emphasized that global regulations should be crafted inclusively by all nations, advocating for the BRICS countries to adhere to principles of international law, sovereign equality, non-interference, and peaceful conflict resolution. He firmly dismissed the notion that power dictates right, advocating for a uniform application of rules without double standards.
The initiatives proposed by China span several critical sectors: artificial intelligence, trade and investment, the digital economy, intelligent manufacturing, and the development of science and technology talent. In the realm of artificial intelligence, China suggested establishing a BRICS AI open-source community to foster cooperation on large language models and cultivate an inclusive AI ecosystem. Additionally, a trade and investment facilitation initiative was put forward, which includes forming a partnership for BRICS special economic zones and initiating a BRICS Forum on Trade in Services.
In terms of digital collaboration, the proposal includes a BRICS digital ecosystem cloud platform, supplemented by digital skills training and technology exchange programs. The intelligent manufacturing initiative aims to back the creation of smart factories and establish common standards to advance manufacturing modernization. These initiatives collectively seek to propel economic growth and technological advancement among the BRICS nations.
The final initiative centers on nurturing science and technology talent, proposing the formation of a BRICS engineer cultivation alliance and youth exchange programs. These efforts are intended to stimulate innovation and cultivate skilled professionals who can contribute to the region’s development. Through these comprehensive initiatives, China seeks to strengthen the cooperation framework within BRICS, ensuring that the member countries can collectively navigate the challenges of the modern global landscape.