Xi Jinping Calls for Stronger BRICS Cooperation to Accelerate Global South Development

Chinese President Xi Jinping has called on BRICS countries to strengthen cooperation and uphold multilateralism to promote the collective development of the Global South, addressing the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi, India, on September 13, 2026. Speaking at Session II of the summit, President Xi stated that the Global South has become an important force in the emerging multipolar world and urged BRICS countries to play a more active and stabilizing role in international affairs. He called for greater respect for international law and the principles of sovereign equality, non-interference in internal affairs, and the peaceful settlement of disputes. He also urged Global South countries to strengthen the role of the United Nations, support reform of multilateral institutions, and increase the representation and voice of developing countries in the international financial system. President Xi stressed the importance of people-centered development and the implementation of the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. He stated that China would continue to expand opening up and share opportunities arising from its economic development with other countries. He also called for stronger international cooperation on global challenges such as security, climate change, and artificial intelligence (AI), including efforts to develop a consensus-based global AI governance framework. To strengthen practical BRICS cooperation, President Xi proposed five initiatives covering open-source and inclusive AI, trade and investment facilitation, digital industry cooperation, intelligent manufacturing, and science and technology talent development. He proposed establishing a BRICS AI open-source community, a partnership on special economic zones, a digital ecosystem cloud platform, cooperation in smart manufacturing, and a BRICS engineer cultivation alliance. China also plans to launch a youth exchange program focused on scientific and technological innovation. President Xi said China’s 15th Five-Year Plan for economic and social development would serve not only as a blueprint for China’s development but also as a list of opportunities for international cooperation. He reaffirmed China’s commitment to high-quality development, high-standard opening up, the Global Development Initiative, and high-quality Belt and Road cooperation. He called on BRICS members to work together to strengthen cooperation and promote greater unity and development across the Global South. As a traditional friend of China and a partner in the Belt and Road Initiative, Laos could benefit from the BRICS+ framework and the Global Development Initiative proposed by President Xi. In particular, strengthening infrastructure development and economic connectivity would be important for Laos's economic growth. However, concerns about increasing economic dependence on China are also points that should continue to be closely watched within Laos. To achieve its development goals under a one-party system, the Lao government is likely to prioritize its relationship with China while seeking to diversify its economy and balance its external relations. Information Source: KPL Laos News