Xinhua News Agency, New Delhi, September 12
Share the responsibilities of the times and be a pioneer
——Speech at the first phase of the 18th BRICS Leaders’ Meeting
(September 12, 2026, New Delhi)
President of the People's Republic of China Xi Jinping
Dear Prime Minister Modi,
Dear colleagues:
It is a great pleasure to gather with you all in New Delhi. I would like to thank Prime Minister Modi and the Indian government for their thoughtful arrangements.
This year marks the 20th anniversary of BRICS cooperation. Over the past 20 years, the BRICS cooperation mechanism has continued to grow and develop, showing great vitality and becoming the most influential cooperation platform for emerging markets and developing countries in the world today.
This is 20 years of self-reliance and self-reliance. As the first phalanx of the global South, the BRICS countries insist on independence, actively explore development paths that suit their own national conditions, and have become a model for emerging markets and developing countries to unite and strengthen themselves.
This has been 20 years of standing together through thick and thin. The BRICS countries are not afraid of difficulties and forge ahead, working together to cope with challenges such as the international financial crisis, the COVID-19 epidemic, and climate change, firmly safeguarding the common interests of the global South, and providing stability and positive energy to the world.
This has been a fruitful 20 years. The BRICS countries have achieved historic expansion, established an all-round and multi-level cooperation structure, continuously deepened cooperation in trade, investment, finance, science and technology, and entered a new stage of high-quality development of "Greater BRICS Cooperation".
Currently, the century-old changes in the world are accelerating, the Global South is growing rapidly, and the multipolarity of the world is unstoppable. At the same time, unilateralism and power politics are surging against the current, multilateralism and the international order are under attack, and the peace deficit, development deficit, security deficit, and governance deficit continue to increase. I proposed the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, the Global Civilization Initiative, and the Global Governance Initiative to address these deficits and promote the construction of a better world. The BRICS countries must stand firmly on the right side of history, bravely be the vanguard of the times, lead the international order in a more just and reasonable direction, and work together to build a community with a shared future for mankind.
First, BRICS countries should be pioneers in promoting innovative development. The new round of scientific and technological revolution and industrial transformation represented by artificial intelligence has accelerated breakthroughs and profoundly affected the world development pattern. BRICS countries must firmly seize the initiative, strengthen cooperation in artificial intelligence, encourage openness, openness, cooperation and sharing, and promote pragmatic cooperation to new heights. Not long ago, China joined hands with all parties to promote the establishment of the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization and build an international artificial intelligence application cooperation center for BRICS countries and other countries. It has established an important platform for strengthening artificial intelligence cooperation around the world, especially countries in the global South. BRICS countries are welcome to actively participate. Here, I propose the BRICS initiative to empower new industrialization with artificial intelligence, and am willing to work with all parties to create more R&D and application results and deepen cooperation in the industrial and supply chains. Facts will prove that "decoupling and breaking links" cannot hinder our development process, and "small courtyards and high walls" will only confine ourselves and divide the world.
Second, BRICS countries should be the vanguard in maintaining peace and stability. The world today is very uneventful, and the aspect of change and chaos is even more prominent. The final analysis is that the post-war international order has been shaken and the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter have not been effectively observed. BRICS countries should stand firm, uphold justice, and work hard to eliminate war and maintain peace. We must uphold a common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security concept, oppose the Cold War mentality and camp confrontation, oppose infringement of other countries' sovereignty and interference in other countries' internal affairs, constructively participate in the resolution of hot-spot issues, and make unique contributions to the BRICS in seeking to address both symptoms and root causes.
The situation in the Middle East and the Gulf is still evolving complexly. This war has caused serious losses to the people of all countries in the region and is not in line with the common interests of the international community. I put forward four proposals to maintain and promote peace and stability in the Middle East, with the aim of calling for de-escalation, an end to war and promotion of peace. Relevant parties must adhere to the direction of political settlement and promote the realization of a permanent and comprehensive ceasefire. We should pay attention to solving the root causes of problems, rebuild mutual trust among regional countries, and build a new security architecture. The Palestinian issue has always been the core of the Middle East issue, and its fundamental solution is to implement the "two-state solution" and achieve peaceful coexistence between Palestine and Israel. China is willing to work with BRICS members to play its due role in realizing peace and tranquility in the Middle East and Gulf region.
Third, BRICS countries should be pioneers in promoting mutual learning among civilizations. The beauty of harmony lies in the harmony of differences. The BRICS countries inherit ancient civilizations and nurture diverse cultures, and should become a garden where different civilizations can coexist inclusively. It is necessary to carry forward the common values of all mankind and advocate exchanges, mutual learning, harmony and symbiosis among civilizations. It is necessary to successfully host the BRICS People-to-People Exchange Forum, share experience in state governance, and gather positive energy for the stable development of state-to-state relations. Deepen cooperation in culture, tourism, education, etc., strengthen youth exchanges, and promote people to come and know each other frequently.
Fourth, BRICS countries should be the vanguard in reforming and improving global governance. What kind of global governance system is constructed determines the future and destiny of human society. The BRICS countries must follow the general trend of democratization in international relations, promote the construction of a more just and reasonable global governance system, safeguard the authority of the United Nations, and oppose withdrawing from the group, breaking treaties and starting a new one. We support the multilateral trading system with the World Trade Organization as its core, promote the reform of the World Trade Organization, oppose indiscriminate tariffs, and resist all forms of protectionist measures. Lead the global governance of new frontiers such as the Internet, outer space, and the deep sea, and enhance the voice of countries in the global South.
Dear colleagues!
Over the past two decades, unity and cooperation have always been the source of strength for the development of the BRICS cause. We must insist on being candid with each other, seeking common ground while reserving differences, respecting each other's core concerns, enhancing mutual understanding through communication and dialogue, properly handling conflicts and differences, and ensuring the steady and long-term development of BRICS cooperation.
China will take over the chairmanship of BRICS next year and host the 19th BRICS leaders’ meeting. China is willing to take this opportunity to build consensus with all parties, create a future, open the third "golden decade" of BRICS cooperation, and create a bright future for prosperity and progress.
Thank you all!
