During the second day of the BRICS 2026 Summit, Chinese President Xi Jinping underscored the need for enhanced collaboration among Global South countries. Xi introduced five strategic initiatives designed to foster stronger ties and cooperation among emerging economies. Emphasizing the importance of inclusive global governance, he advocated for international rules to be shaped collaboratively by all nations. He urged BRICS members to adhere to principles such as international law, sovereign equality, non-interference, and the peaceful resolution of disputes, while dismissing the notion of “might makes right” and calling for fair application of rules without double standards.
The proposed initiatives span critical sectors including artificial intelligence, trade and investment, the digital economy, intelligent manufacturing, and the cultivation of science and technology talent. A significant component of Xi’s proposal is the establishment of a BRICS AI open-source community. This initiative aims to foster cooperation on large language models and to create an inclusive AI ecosystem among BRICS nations. In terms of trade and investment, China suggested the development of a facilitation initiative that includes partnerships for BRICS special economic zones and the creation of a new BRICS Forum on Trade in Services.
In the realm of digital cooperation, Xi proposed the development of a BRICS digital ecosystem cloud platform. This initiative would be complemented by digital skills training and technology exchange programs. Under the intelligent manufacturing initiative, China pledged support for the modernization of manufacturing through the development of smart factories and the establishment of common standards. This effort is intended to elevate manufacturing capabilities across BRICS countries.
The fifth initiative centers on nurturing science and technology talent. It includes the creation of a BRICS engineer cultivation alliance and youth exchange programs aimed at promoting innovation and developing a skilled workforce. These programs are designed to inspire the next generation of professionals who will drive technological advancement and innovation within the BRICS framework.