Photo courtesy of Anadolu
Chinese President Xi Jinping used the BRICS summit Sunday to push for deeper economic and technological cooperation among developing economies as war-related shipping disruptions add uncertainty to global trade.
Xi told leaders in New Delhi that the expanded BRICS grouping should strengthen connections among emerging markets and develop closer links in manufacturing, investment and technology.
Supply chain resilience featured prominently in his proposals, with Xi calling for trade and production networks to remain open and functioning despite geopolitical disruptions.
The appeal comes as shipping through the Strait of Hormuz faces disruption because of the US-Iran war. The narrow waterway is a critical route for petroleum and liquefied natural gas exports from the Persian Gulf, making interruptions there capable of affecting energy markets well beyond the region.
Xi also proposed expanding BRICS cooperation in artificial intelligence, smart manufacturing and digital industries, including an open-source AI initiative and a shared digital industry platform.
Another proposal involved establishing partnerships among special economic zones and improving training for engineers and science and technology workers as BRICS economies seek to develop higher-value industries.
Beyond economic cooperation, Xi called for developing countries to gain greater influence in institutions governing global finance and trade and backed reforms involving the United Nations and World Trade Organization.
China is set to take over the BRICS chairmanship in 2027 and host the next leaders’ summit, giving Beijing an opportunity to advance the economic and technology initiatives Xi presented in New Delhi.