During the second day of the BRICS 2026 Summit, Chinese President Xi Jinping emphasized the need for enhanced cooperation among countries of the Global South, putting forward five key initiatives aimed at bolstering collaboration among emerging economies. Xi stressed the importance of global rules being shaped collectively by all nations and urged BRICS members to uphold principles of international law, including sovereign equality, non-interference, and peaceful dispute resolution. He further criticized the notion of “might makes right,” advocating for rules to be applied uniformly without double standards.
The proposed initiatives by China cover a broad range of areas, including artificial intelligence, trade and investment, the digital economy, intelligent manufacturing, and the development of science and technology talent. A notable proposal is the creation of a BRICS AI open-source community to foster cooperation on large language models and to build an inclusive AI ecosystem. Additionally, China suggested a trade and investment facilitation initiative, which includes establishing partnerships for BRICS special economic zones and launching a new BRICS Forum on Trade in Services.
In the realm of digital cooperation, plans were unveiled for the creation of a BRICS digital ecosystem cloud platform, coupled with efforts to enhance digital skills training and technology exchanges. The intelligent manufacturing initiative aims to support the development of smart factories and establish common standards to modernize the manufacturing sector. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to position BRICS nations as leaders in technological innovation and economic development.
The fifth initiative centers on the cultivation of science and technology talent. This includes the formation of a BRICS engineer cultivation alliance and youth exchange programs designed to promote innovation and develop skilled professionals. By focusing on nurturing talent, these initiatives aim to create a sustainable foundation for future growth and collaboration among BRICS countries, ensuring that they remain competitive in a rapidly changing global landscape.
President Xi’s call for stronger cooperation and his outlined initiatives reflect a broader vision for a more balanced and equitable global order, where emerging economies play a pivotal role in shaping the future. The BRICS 2026 Summit serves as a platform for these nations to strengthen ties and work together towards common goals, setting the stage for continued collaboration and mutual development in the years to come.
