Chinese President Xi Jinping unveiled a sweeping plan to deepen technological and economic ties among BRICS nations, proposing a joint artificial intelligence initiative and expanded trade networks during a summit in New Delhi on Sunday, according to the state-run Xinhua news agency. Xi positioned the bloc as a central force for the Global South, urging developing nations to defend international law without double standards.
Speaking at the 18th BRICS summit, Xi said the success of what he called the “Greater Brics Initiative” would depend on establishing a solid foundation for practical cooperation. He called on its members and partner countries to strengthen cooperation, keep industrial and supply chains stable, and develop a more integrated market, China’s Xinhua news agency reported. China would take the lead in establishing a Brics AI Open Source Zone to promote cooperation on large language models, training and an open AI ecosystem, Mr Xi said. He also proposed a Brics Special Economic Zone partnership, and said China would host a Brics Service Trade Forum next year to strengthen trade and investment ties.
This comes as the grouping seeks to expand cooperation in politics and security as well as economics and finance. India holds the Brics chair this year and China is due to take over in 2027. Brics was formed by Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. The block now comprises 10 full members – the original core plus Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran, and the UAE – and 10 partners in Cuba, Belarus, Bolivia, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Nigeria, Thailand, Uganda, Uzbekistan, and Vietnam.
