On the second day of the BRICS 2026 Summit, Chinese President Xi Jinping emphasized the need for increased cooperation among Global South countries. He proposed five key initiatives aimed at bolstering collaboration among emerging economies, underscoring the importance of collective participation in shaping global rules. Xi called on BRICS members to uphold principles such as international law, sovereign equality, non-interference, and the peaceful settlement of disputes, while rejecting the idea that power should dictate right and advocating for the equal application of rules without double standards.
The proposed initiatives target crucial areas including artificial intelligence, trade and investment, the digital economy, intelligent manufacturing, and the development of science and technology talent. To foster collaboration in these fields, China suggested the formation of a BRICS AI open-source community, which would facilitate cooperation on large language models and the creation of an inclusive AI ecosystem.
In the realm of trade and investment, China put forward a facilitation initiative that includes establishing a partnership for BRICS special economic zones and launching a new BRICS Forum on Trade in Services. This effort aims to streamline trade activities and enhance economic partnerships within the group of emerging nations.
The digital cooperation initiative proposed by China outlines plans for a BRICS digital ecosystem cloud platform, alongside digital skills training and technology exchanges. Additionally, the intelligent manufacturing initiative aims to support the development of smart factories and establish common standards to modernize manufacturing practices across member countries.
Focusing on the cultivation of science and technology talent, the fifth initiative includes the creation of a BRICS engineer cultivation alliance and youth exchange programs. These efforts are designed to foster innovation and develop a skilled workforce equipped to meet the demands of the future. Through these initiatives, President Xi aims to strengthen ties among Global South countries and propel them towards a more collaborative and prosperous future.