Chinese president Xi Jinping landed in New Delhi for the 18th Brics summit, where he will hold talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and present Beijing’s proposals for greater cooperation among Global South countries.Ahead of the meeting, China’s state-run Global Times described Brics as an increasingly important platform at a time of global uncertainty. In an editorial, the Chinese government mouthpiece said the grouping’s strength came from its commitment to openness, cooperation and fairness.“The key lies in its commitment to openness and inclusiveness, its goal of win-win cooperation and its pursuit of fairness and justice. The more turbulent and transformative the world becomes, the more the unique value of Brics cooperation comes into focus. As greater Brics cooperation enters a stage of improving quality and efficiency, there is growing confidence that Brics cooperation has enormous potential and that the future of Brics countries is bright.“
Xi expected to outline China’s priorities
Xi is expected to exchange views with other leaders on the international situation, the future development of Brics and ways to deepen practical cooperation. The newspaper said Xi would also put forward China’s initiatives for expanding and improving cooperation within the grouping.“Since 2013, President Xi has put forward a series of important proposals and initiatives, including the “Brics Plus” cooperation model, driving the rapid development of Brics cooperation and enabling it to deliver greater results, while playing a pivotal role at every critical juncture in the mechanism’s development.”The editorial also highlighted China’s support for the New Development Bank, the expansion of Brics and cooperation in areas such as peace, innovation, green development and people-to-people exchanges.“From advocating the Brics Spirit of “openness, inclusiveness and win-win cooperation” to proposing the concept of the “Brics Plus” cooperation model; from championing the establishment of the New Development Bank in Shanghai to supporting the historic expansion of Brics and proposing to build a Brics committed to peace, innovation, green development, justice and closer people-to-people exchanges, China has actively worked to strengthen and expand Brics cooperation, continuously improved the mechanism in line with changing times and steadily enhanced its global influence, earning broad recognition from all sides,” the editorial adds.
China to lead Brics in 2027
China will take over the rotating Brics presidency in 2027. The Global Times said Beijing would use the term to strengthen unity through multilateralism and align development strategies among member countries.It said China would also promote its Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative, Global Civilization Initiative and Global Governance Initiative. The newspaper identified the digital economy, green development, artificial intelligence, poverty reduction and agriculture as areas where China would seek concrete outcomes.
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The editorial concluded, “A ‘Greater Brics’ that is more united, efficient, pragmatic and committed to shouldering its responsibilities will surely open up new space for the common development of the Global South and inject greater certainty and positive energy into a world beset by turbulence and change.”India is hosting the 18th Brics summit under the theme “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability”. The agenda focuses on development, sustainability, innovation and strengthening the grouping as a constructive forum for the Global South.
