During the BRICS 2026 Summit’s second day, Chinese President Xi Jinping emphasized the need for enhanced cooperation among Global South nations, unveiling five strategic initiatives aimed at bolstering collaboration among emerging economies. Xi underscored the importance of shaping global regulations through collective input from all countries, urging BRICS members to uphold principles such as international law, sovereign equality, non-interference, and the peaceful resolution of disputes. He also advocated for equitable rule application, dismissing the notion that power should dictate right.
The proposed initiatives focus on critical areas including artificial intelligence, trade and investment, the digital economy, intelligent manufacturing, and the cultivation of science and technology talent. China is leading efforts to establish a BRICS AI open-source community aimed at fostering cooperation on large language models and nurturing an inclusive AI ecosystem. Additionally, a trade and investment facilitation initiative has been proposed, which includes the creation of a BRICS special economic zones partnership and the establishment of a new BRICS Forum on Trade in Services.
In the digital realm, plans are underway for a BRICS digital ecosystem cloud platform, which will be complemented by digital skills training and technology exchanges. The intelligent manufacturing initiative aims to support the development of smart factories and promote common standards to advance manufacturing modernization. These initiatives signal China’s commitment to driving technological and economic advancements within the BRICS framework.
The final initiative centers on developing science and technology talent. This includes the formation of a BRICS engineer cultivation alliance and youth exchange programs designed to foster innovation and equip skilled professionals. By focusing on these areas, China and its BRICS partners seek to strengthen their collective capabilities and address shared challenges in the evolving global landscape.