During the second day of the BRICS 2026 Summit, Chinese President Xi Jinping emphasized the need for stronger cooperation among Global South nations, unveiling five initiatives aimed at enhancing collaboration among emerging economies. Xi advocated for global rules to be crafted inclusively, with equal participation from all countries. He urged BRICS members to adhere to international law, respect sovereign equality, avoid interference, and resolve disputes peacefully. Furthermore, Xi criticized any approach that prioritizes power over principle, calling for the impartial application of rules without double standards.
The proposed initiatives cover key areas such as artificial intelligence, trade and investment, digital economy, intelligent manufacturing, and the development of science and technology talent. As part of the AI initiative, China suggested establishing a BRICS AI open-source community to foster cooperation on large language models and create an inclusive AI ecosystem. In trade and investment, the plan includes facilitating partnerships for BRICS special economic zones and introducing a new BRICS Forum on Trade in Services.
Under the digital cooperation initiative, China envisions a BRICS digital ecosystem cloud platform, complemented by digital skills training and technology exchanges. The intelligent manufacturing proposal aims to bolster the development of smart factories and establish common standards to modernize the manufacturing sector. These measures are designed to enhance industrial capabilities and competitiveness among BRICS nations.
The fifth initiative focuses on nurturing science and technology talent, proposing the formation of a BRICS engineer cultivation alliance and youth exchange programs. These efforts are intended to promote innovation and equip the next generation with the necessary skills to thrive in a rapidly evolving technological landscape. By fostering talent development, the initiative seeks to ensure a steady pipeline of skilled professionals across BRICS countries.