Xi Jinping calls on BRICS countries to jointly open a third “golden decade” of cooperation
The world is undergoing profound transformation, and as the influence of the Global South continues to grow, unity, mutual respect and joint efforts to find solutions are becoming increasingly important. Over two decades, BRICS has evolved from a mechanism involving several countries into a broad platform for cooperation among emerging markets and developing countries, creating new opportunities for a more just and equitable international order.
Speaking at the first session of the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi on Saturday, Chinese President Xi Jinping said that the BRICS cooperation mechanism has become the world’s most influential platform for cooperation among emerging markets and developing countries.
Xi noted that this year marks the 20th anniversary of BRICS cooperation. Over the past two decades, the mechanism has continued to grow and expand, demonstrating remarkable vitality and dynamism.
He said the past 20 years had been a period of self-reliance and self-improvement. BRICS countries actively explored development paths suited to their national conditions, demonstrating how emerging markets and developing countries can achieve progress through unity.
The two decades had also been marked by joint efforts in both difficult and favorable times. BRICS countries worked together to address challenges ranging from the global financial crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic to climate change. The group has consistently defended the common interests of the Global South while contributing to global stability and positive momentum.
Xi highlighted the achievements of BRICS cooperation, including the group’s historic expansion, the establishment of a comprehensive and multi-level cooperation framework, and its transition into a new stage of high-quality development.
He said the world is undergoing an accelerated transformation unseen in a century, while countries of the Global South are rapidly gaining strength. The trend toward a multipolar world is becoming increasingly evident, while unilateralism and power politics are intensifying and putting pressure on multilateralism and the international order.
Xi called on BRICS countries to stand firmly on the right side of history, strive to be pioneers of their time, promote a more just and equitable international order, and work together to build a community with a shared future for humanity.
He identified innovation-driven development as a key priority, urging BRICS countries to strengthen cooperation in artificial intelligence, promote open-source software, expand information sharing and bring practical cooperation to new levels and into new areas.
Xi also called on BRICS countries to actively participate in international cooperation on artificial intelligence. China has proposed an initiative to promote new industrialization through AI among BRICS countries and is ready to work with all sides to advance research, development and application, as well as deepen cooperation across industrial and logistics chains.
Peace and security were also central to Xi’s remarks. He urged BRICS countries to uphold a vision of common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security, oppose a Cold War mentality and bloc confrontation, respect national sovereignty and refrain from interference in the internal affairs of other countries.
China is ready to work with other BRICS members to play a constructive role in bringing peace and stability to the Middle East, Xi said. He also called on BRICS countries to promote mutual learning among civilizations, uphold the common values of humanity, strengthen cultural and people-to-people exchanges, and advance harmonious coexistence. He stressed the importance of deeper cooperation in culture, tourism and education, as well as stronger youth exchanges.
On global governance, Xi called on BRICS to promote greater democracy in international relations, advance a more just and equitable global governance system, and uphold the authority of the United Nations. He also urged the group to support the multilateral trading system centered on the World Trade Organization, reject all forms of protectionism, and strengthen cooperation in emerging areas including cyberspace, outer space and deep-sea exploration. He called for a stronger voice for the Global South.
The session was chaired by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and attended by Russian President Vladimir Putin, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira.
Participants highly praised the achievements of BRICS over the past 20 years, noting the group’s broad representation and significant development potential. Amid escalating geopolitical conflicts and growing unilateral actions, BRICS countries said they have a responsibility to safeguard the interests of the Global South, uphold multilateralism, support the central role of the United Nations, defend sovereign equality and international law, oppose interference in other countries’ internal affairs, support free trade and jointly address global challenges.
The leaders called for deeper cooperation in various fields, greater economic resilience, a more just and inclusive international order, and a secure and prosperous multipolar world. They also praised China’s important contribution to the development and expansion of BRICS and supported China’s chairmanship next year.
The leaders adopted a joint declaration at the summit. They also visited a photo exhibition marking the 20th anniversary of BRICS, planted trees together and took a group photo.
Xi said China will assume the rotating BRICS chairmanship next year and host the 19th BRICS Summit.
As reported by CCTV+, China is ready to work with all parties to build consensus, create a better future and enter a third “golden decade” of BRICS cooperation, jointly opening new prospects for prosperity and progress.
