Chinese President Xi Jinping called on BRICS member nations to take an active role in advancing peace in the Middle East during his address at the BRICS Leaders' Summit in New Delhi on Saturday. He stated that the ongoing regional conflict has inflicted severe hardship on populations across the Middle East and Gulf region and does not serve the common interests of the international community.
The Chinese leader urged the bloc to firmly stand on the right side of history and stated that Beijing would work alongside other member states to restore stability and security in the region. His comments come amid the ongoing conflict involving the United States and Iran, which has heavily damaged regional civilian and military infrastructure while disrupting global energy supply chains.
Call for Global Governance Reform and Multi-Domain Cooperation
President Xi described the BRICS cooperation mechanism as the world's most influential platform for emerging markets and developing nations. He urged the bloc to pioneer reforms in global governance, uphold the authority of the United Nations, and reject all forms of protectionism, Cold War mentalities, and bloc confrontation.
Xi emphasized that emerging economies must lead efforts to establish governance frameworks in emerging frontiers, specifically highlighting cyberspace, outer space, the deep sea, and artificial intelligence, in order to amplify the collective voice of the Global South. He also called for strict adherence to international law, stressing the need to oppose violations of state sovereignty and external interference in the internal affairs of sovereign nations.
summit Agenda and Rotating Leadership Succession
The weekend gathering in New Delhi brings together leaders from across the expanded bloc, including the heads of state of China, Russia, and Iran, against the backdrop of protracted global security crises. Delegates are scheduled to participate in an open session on Sunday focusing on resilience, innovation, cooperation, and sustainable economic growth.
BRICS currently accounts for approximately 49.5 percent of the global population, 40 percent of global gross domestic product, and 26 percent of international trade. Following the conclusion of India's current chairmanship, China will take over the rotating BRICS presidency and host the next annual summit.
