Archive · 14 Sep 2026
Chinese Media Cast BRICS Summit as Opportunity for India Ties
The BRICS countries met in New Delhi for a two-day summit.
They agreed on a joint statement about shared concerns, including protectionist trade measures.
Chinese newspapers said reaching agreement was an important achievement.
They praised China’s role in making BRICS more influential.
They also said China and India could improve trade and other economic links.
However, the reports recognized that the two countries still disagree about borders, trade and security.
The reports said cooperation should continue without pretending these disagreements have disappeared.
The coverage also showed that China watches India’s relationship with the United States closely.
Chinese outlets portrayed the New Delhi BRICS summit as a consensus-building success despite limited unexpected outcomes.
China Daily presented BRICS as a force for multilateralism and greater fairness in the international order.
Global Times called China the “anchor of BRICS cooperation” and highlighted Xi Jinping’s role in expanding the grouping’s influence.
Chinese reports described the Xi Jinping–Narendra Modi meeting as a new stage of confidence-building in bilateral relations.
Coverage also acknowledged continuing disputes over borders, trade imbalances, investment, regional security and India’s ties with the United States.
- Who
- BRICS member countries, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
- What
- A two-day BRICS summit concluded with a joint New Delhi declaration and renewed discussion of China-India ties.
- When
- Xi Jinping departed on Sunday, September 13, at the end of the summit; China is scheduled to hold the BRICS presidency in 2027.
- Where
- New Delhi, India.
- Why
- The summit addressed shared concerns and cooperation among BRICS members, while China and India sought to stabilize and develop their bilateral relationship.
Cooperation and Stabilization
Persistent Risks and Disagreements
China’s role in BRICS
Cooperation and Stabilization
China Daily and Global Times portrayed China as a leading force supporting BRICS expansion, multilateralism and a more equitable international order.
Persistent Risks and Disagreements
The coverage reflects Chinese state messaging and includes criticism of unilateralism, particularly measures associated with the United States.
China-India economic ties
Cooperation and Stabilization
Global Times argued that expanding trade and structural adjustments, rather than barriers, could eventually address the bilateral trade deficit.
Persistent Risks and Disagreements
The same coverage acknowledged Indian concerns that deeper economic ties could worsen the trade deficit or create excessive dependence on China in strategic sectors.
Future of bilateral relations
Cooperation and Stabilization
Chinese reports described the New Delhi meeting as a new phase of confidence-building and called for institutionalized dialogue and practical cooperation.
Persistent Risks and Disagreements
CGTN commentary warned that strategic mistrust, border disputes, trade imbalances, investment issues, regional security concerns and domestic political pressures would continue.
- Summit outcome
- Members signed a final New Delhi declaration that largely addressed shared concerns, including unilateral protectionist measures.
- China’s BRICS role
- Chinese media described China as a central force in strengthening BRICS cooperation.
- Future presidency
- China will host the next BRICS summit and hold the rotating presidency from 2027.
- China-India meeting
- The Xi Jinping-Narendra Modi meeting was described as the third consecutive annual meeting between the leaders.
- Trade opportunities
- Coverage highlighted potential Chinese exports to India and greater access for Indian agricultural, mineral and consumer products in China.
- Continuing disputes
- Reports identified border differences, trade imbalances, investment and regional security as ongoing challenges.
- Media context
- The article presents Chinese media commentary as a window into the Chinese state’s priorities because China lacks independent media.