Xi Jinping Unveils 5-Point BRICS Agenda, Sets Sights on Global South Ahead of China’s 2027 Chairship

Ahead of China taking over the BRICS chairship in 2027, Chinese President Xi Jinping has unveiled a five-point agenda aimed at strengthening cooperation among emerging economies and giving the Global South a greater role in shaping the global order.

Speaking on the second day of the BRICS Summit in New Delhi, Xi proposed initiatives spanning artificial intelligence, trade, digital industries, smart manufacturing and science and technology. Beijing also called for closer coordination among the expanded “Greater BRICS” grouping to turn it into a more practical platform for development across the Global South.

Xi Jinping’s Five Key BRICS Initiatives

1. AI Open-Source Community
Xi proposed setting up a BRICS AI open-source community to promote cooperation on large language models (LLMs) and encourage the development of an open and inclusive AI ecosystem.

2. BRICS Trade and Investment Platforms
China plans to push new mechanisms to facilitate trade and investment among BRICS countries during its 2027 chairship. The proposals include a partnership involving BRICS special economic zones and the creation of a BRICS Forum on Trade in Services.

3. Digital Industry Cooperation
Xi called for the establishment of a BRICS digital ecosystem cloud platform, along with programmes for digital skills training, technology exchanges and deeper industrial cooperation among member states.

4. Smart Manufacturing
China will support BRICS countries in developing smart factories, standards and norms as part of an effort to accelerate manufacturing transformation and industrial upgrades.

5. Science and Technology Cooperation
Xi also proposed a BRICS engineer cultivation alliance to develop engineering talent and promote mutual recognition of competency standards.

In addition, he announced plans for a BRICS youth exchange programme focused on scientific and technological innovation, aimed at boosting collaboration among young researchers and innovators.

Xi Calls for End to ‘Might Makes Right’ Approach

Xi also used the summit to call for a more inclusive international order, saying global rules should be shaped collectively by all countries.

In a veiled criticism of Western dominance, Xi argued that the principle of “might makes right” should be rejected. He urged Global South nations to jointly uphold sovereign equality, international law, non-interference in the internal affairs of states and the peaceful settlement of disputes.

He also stressed that international rules must be applied equally and without double standards, as BRICS seeks to expand its influence as a platform for the wider Global South.