September 13, 2026 | 03:12 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Chinese President Xi Jinping said China is ready to take over the BRICS chairmanship in 2027 and use its presidency to advance an agenda supporting development among countries in the Global South.“China will take over the BRICS chairship next year, and host the 19th BRICS Summit. The Chinese side will seize the opportunity to build consensus and work with all parties to plan for the future,” Xi said during the first session of the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi on Saturday, September 12, according to China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs."Together, we will usher in the third golden decade of BRICS cooperation, and open up a bright prospect of shared prosperity and progress."The 18th BRICS Summit is being attended by leaders including Indonesian President Prabowo, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.Xi said 2026 marks the 20th anniversary of BRICS cooperation and that the group has become an influential platform for cooperation among developing countries."Standing at the forefront of the Global South, we BRICS countries have upheld independence, actively explored development paths suited to our respective national conditions, and set a fine example of emerging markets and developing countries seeking strength through unity,” Xi said.Xi outlined four proposals for BRICS cooperation.First, he called for greater cooperation in innovation and AI, including through the proposed BRICS initiative on AI-enabled new industrialization. He said China was ready to work with other members on research, development, applications and industrial and supply chains.Second, Xi urged BRICS countries to help safeguard peace and stability, including by supporting political solutions to conflicts. He said the group should contribute to efforts to end hostilities in the Middle East and advance a two-state solution for Palestine and Israel.Third, he called for greater exchanges and mutual learning among civilizations, including through cooperation in culture, tourism and education and increased exchanges among young people.Fourth, Xi urged BRICS members to push for reforms to global governance and a more equitable international system. He called for upholding the authority of the United Nations, supporting the multilateral trading system centered on the World Trade Organization, and opposing tariff abuse and protectionism.The 18th BRICS Summit is being held at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi on September 12-13 under India’s chairmanship. The summit’s theme is “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability.”
