On the second day of the BRICS 2026 Summit, Chinese President Xi Jinping pushed for enhanced collaboration among nations of the Global South. He unveiled a set of five initiatives intended to bolster cooperation among emerging economies, emphasizing the need for all countries to have a say in shaping global rules. Xi highlighted the importance of upholding international law, respecting sovereign equality, and settling disputes peacefully. He also criticized the notion that power dictates right, insisting that rules should be applied uniformly and without bias.
The proposed initiatives cover key areas such as artificial intelligence, trade and investment, the digital economy, intelligent manufacturing, and the development of science and technology talent. One of the primary proposals from China is the establishment of a BRICS AI open-source community. This initiative aims to foster cooperation on large language models and create an inclusive AI ecosystem. In the realm of trade, China suggested a facilitation initiative that includes a partnership for BRICS special economic zones and a new BRICS Forum on Trade in Services.
Digital cooperation is another focal point, with plans for a BRICS digital ecosystem cloud platform. This initiative also involves digital skills training and technology exchanges to enhance the capabilities of member countries. Additionally, the intelligent manufacturing initiative aims to support the development of smart factories and establish common standards to advance manufacturing modernization.
The fifth and final initiative centers on nurturing science and technology talent. China proposed the creation of a BRICS engineer cultivation alliance and youth exchange programs. These efforts are designed to promote innovation and foster the growth of skilled professionals in the participating countries. Through these initiatives, President Xi is advocating for stronger ties and shared progress among the Global South nations.