Archive · 14 Sep 2026
Xi Jinping Pitches AI and Trade Cooperation for Greater BRICS
China’s President Xi Jinping wants the expanded BRICS group to work more closely together.
He suggested cooperation on artificial intelligence, trade and investment.
China would help create an open AI zone for BRICS countries.
The plan would include sharing work on language models and AI training.
Xi also proposed a special economic zone partnership.
China plans to host a trade forum next year.
Narendra Modi said BRICS solutions should also help other developing countries, while Vladimir Putin described the group as a force for a fairer, multipolar world.
The leaders also agreed to call for restraint as fighting and tensions increased in the Middle East.
Xi Jinping proposed initiatives on artificial intelligence, trade and investment to deepen cooperation among the expanded BRICS grouping.
China will lead a BRICS AI Open Source Zone focused on large language models, AI training and an open AI ecosystem.
Xi proposed a BRICS Special Economic Zone partnership and said China would host a Service Trade Forum next year.
BRICS now includes Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Iran, Indonesia, Egypt, Ethiopia and the United Arab Emirates, plus 10 partner countries.
The summit adopted a declaration urging maximum restraint over escalating Middle East tensions, with Iran and the United Arab Emirates backing it.
- Who
- Chinese President Xi Jinping and leaders of the expanded BRICS grouping, including Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
- What
- Initiatives were proposed to expand cooperation in artificial intelligence, trade, investment, economics, finance, politics and security.
- When
- The initiatives were announced on Sunday at the annual BRICS summit; China plans to host a Service Trade Forum next year.
- Where
- The summit took place in New Delhi, India.
- Why
- China says practical cooperation can strengthen BRICS as a platform for Global South development and increase its global influence.
- AI initiative
- China will lead a BRICS AI Open Source Zone covering large language models, AI training and an open AI ecosystem.
- Trade initiative
- Xi proposed a BRICS Special Economic Zone partnership and China will host a BRICS Service Trade Forum next year.
- Current membership
- BRICS includes Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Iran, Indonesia, Egypt, Ethiopia and the United Arab Emirates.
- Partner countries
- The grouping has 10 partner countries across Asia, Africa, Latin America and the Middle East.
- Future chairs
- India is scheduled to chair BRICS in 2026, followed by China in 2027.
- Middle East declaration
- The summit’s joint declaration expressed deep concern over escalating tensions in the Middle East and urged maximum restraint.
