NEW DELHI, India: Chinese President Xi Jinping has called on BRICS countries to deepen cooperation and take a stronger role in shaping global affairs, saying the expanded grouping should become a stabilising force for the Global South.
Xi made the call on Sunday, September 13, 2026, while addressing the second session of the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi, hosted by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The Chinese president said the international system was facing major changes, with the collective rise of the Global South contributing to a more multipolar world. At the same time, he said international affairs were becoming increasingly volatile and exposed to risks and challenges.
Xi argued that BRICS countries should use their growing influence to promote stability, defend international rules and improve conditions for people around the world.
“A world without rules is like a crossroads without traffic lights, where chaos and disorder are all but guaranteed,” Xi said.
He called for international rules to be developed with the participation of all countries, rejecting what he described as the logic of “might makes right”.
Xi said Global South countries should work together to protect the rule of law in international affairs and uphold principles including sovereign equality, noninterference in internal affairs and the peaceful settlement of disputes.
He also called for international law and global rules to be applied consistently to all countries without double standards.
Push for stronger multilateral institutions
Xi said countries should be treated equally regardless of their size, strength or wealth.
He called on Global South countries to support multilateralism and strengthen the role of the United Nations while backing reforms designed to make international institutions more effective.
The Chinese president also called for greater participation by developing countries in international decision making.
He said reform of the World Trade Organization should move in the right direction while protecting principles such as most favoured nation treatment and developing new rules to address future economic challenges.
Xi also called for continued support for the New Development Bank as a mechanism for expanding cooperation among developing economies.
He said the international financial system needed reforms that would give developing countries greater representation and a stronger voice.
China points to development cooperation
Xi placed development and improving people’s livelihoods at the centre of his proposals for the Global South.
“To achieve great things, one should always put the people first,” he said.
He called on Global South countries to maintain a people centred approach to development and work towards achieving the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Xi said China had implemented more than 2,000 projects with other countries since launching the Global Development Initiative five years ago and had provided training to more than 200,000 professionals in projects benefiting people across more than 120 countries.
He also pointed to China’s expanding economic engagement with Africa.
Xi said China had granted zero tariff treatment to all 53 African countries that maintain diplomatic relations with Beijing.
“We will continue to broaden independent and unilateral opening up, and share the opportunities of China’s development with other countries,” he said.
Five new BRICS initiatives
Xi said stronger cooperation within the expanded BRICS grouping would require closer ties with emerging markets and other Global South countries.
He called for open cooperation based on mutual benefit, stable industrial and supply chains and the development of a large integrated market.
The Chinese president proposed five initiatives aimed at strengthening BRICS economic and technological cooperation.
The first is an open source and inclusive artificial intelligence initiative. China plans to establish a BRICS AI open source community, support cooperation on the development and application of large language models and organise specialised AI seminars and training programmes.
The initiative is also intended to create an open ecosystem for artificial intelligence.
The second proposal focuses on trade and investment facilitation. China wants to establish a BRICS special economic zone partnership through which participating countries could develop an intelligent portal, coordinate policies and create new opportunities for open economic development.
China will also host the BRICS Forum on Trade in Services next year and has invited member countries to participate.
The third initiative concerns digital industry cooperation. China plans to promote the creation of a BRICS digital ecosystem cloud platform while expanding digital skills training, technological exchanges and cooperation between industries.
The fourth initiative targets intelligent manufacturing. Xi said China was prepared to help fellow BRICS countries develop smart factories and establish standards and norms while supporting the transformation and upgrading of manufacturing industries.
The fifth initiative focuses on science and technology talent development.
China has proposed creating a BRICS engineer cultivation alliance to support joint engineer development and mutual recognition of competency standards.
Beijing will also launch a BRICS youth exchange programme focused on scientific and technological innovation, with the aim of developing highly skilled talent.
China links BRICS agenda to its development plans
Xi said 2026 marked the beginning of China’s 15th Five Year Plan for economic and social development.
He described the plan not only as a blueprint for China’s domestic development but also as a potential cooperation agenda for other countries.
“China will continue to advance high-quality development, expand high-standard opening up, implement the Global Development Initiative, and promote high-quality Belt and Road cooperation to share opportunities and prosper together with all countries,” Xi said.
He called on BRICS members to work together to deepen cooperation and strengthen the collective position of the Global South in international affairs.
“Let us work as one to promote greater BRICS cooperation and write a new chapter of strength through unity for the Global South!” Xi said.
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