During the second day of the BRICS 2026 Summit, Chinese President Xi Jinping emphasized the need for enhanced cooperation among Global South nations, unveiling five strategic initiatives aimed at bolstering collaboration among emerging economies. Xi advocated for a global framework where rules are collectively shaped by all countries, urging BRICS members to champion international law, sovereign equality, non-interference, and peaceful dispute resolution. He criticized the “might makes right” philosophy, calling for equal application of rules without double standards.
The proposed initiatives concentrate on key areas: artificial intelligence, trade and investment, the digital economy, intelligent manufacturing, and the development of science and technology talent. Among these, China suggested the creation of a BRICS AI open-source community to foster collaboration on large language models and to construct an inclusive AI ecosystem. In trade and investment, China proposed initiatives like a partnership for BRICS special economic zones and a new BRICS Forum on Trade in Services to facilitate economic cooperation.
For digital collaboration, China introduced plans for a BRICS digital ecosystem cloud platform, which would include digital skills training and technology exchanges. The intelligent manufacturing proposal aims to modernize manufacturing through the development of smart factories and the establishment of common standards. These efforts are designed to enhance industrial efficiency and innovation within the BRICS nations.
The fifth initiative focuses on nurturing science and technology talent. It includes the formation of a BRICS engineer cultivation alliance and various youth exchange programs. These programs are intended to foster innovation and cultivate a new generation of skilled professionals capable of driving technological advancement within these emerging economies.