New Delhi, India — Chinese President Xi Jinping has proposed five major initiatives aimed at deepening cooperation among BRICS countries, with a strong focus on artificial intelligence, trade, digital development, smart manufacturing and scientific talent.
President Xi made the proposals on Sunday while addressing Session II of the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi, India. His statement, titled “Cementing the Foundation for BRICS Cooperation and Bolstering the Strength of the Global South,” called for stronger cooperation among emerging economies and countries of the Global South.
Xi said BRICS countries should strengthen cooperation, promote mutual benefit, safeguard stable industrial and supply chains, develop emerging industries and foster innovation.
Five Initiatives
1. Open Source and Inclusive AI Initiative
China will support the establishment of a BRICS artificial intelligence open-source community, including cooperation in developing and applying large language models. China also plans to organize specialized AI seminars and training courses aimed at building a more open AI ecosystem.
2. Trade and Investment Facilitation Initiative
China proposed creating a BRICS special economic zone partnership through which member countries could establish an intelligent portal, coordinate policies and promote greater economic openness.
China also plans to host the BRICS Forum on Trade in Services next year to create new opportunities for economic and trade cooperation.
3. Digital Industry Cooperation Initiative
Beijing proposed establishing a BRICS digital ecosystem cloud platform while promoting digital skills training, technological exchanges and industrial cooperation to support the growth of the digital economy.
4. Intelligent Manufacturing Cooperation Initiative
China said it is prepared to assist fellow BRICS countries in developing smart factories, establishing relevant standards and promoting the transformation and modernization of manufacturing.
5. Science and Technology Talent Development Initiative
Xi also proposed establishing a BRICS engineer cultivation alliance to support joint engineering development and mutual recognition of competency standards.
China will additionally launch a BRICS youth exchange program for scientific and technological innovation, aimed at developing highly skilled young professionals.
Focus on the Global South
Beyond the five initiatives, President Xi urged Global South countries to strengthen multilateralism, uphold international law and support reforms to international institutions, including the United Nations and the World Trade Organization.
He also called for reforms to the international financial system to increase the representation and voice of developing countries.
The session was attended by leaders and representatives from BRICS member and partner countries, including Russian President Vladimir Putin, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. UN Secretary-General António Guterres also attended, while Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired the session.
President Xi said China would continue pursuing high-quality development and opening up while promoting cooperation with other countries and working to strengthen the collective influence of the Global South.
