New delhi: Chinese President Xi Jinping has called upon the BRICS nations to play a pivotal role in advancing peace initiatives in the Middle East, amid ongoing regional conflicts. He emphasized this during the BRICS Leaders' Summit, highlighting that the ongoing war does not align with the broader interests of the international community.
According to Anadolu Agency, Xi addressed the summit attendees, underscoring the evolving situation in the Middle East and the Gulf region and the significant toll that the war has taken on the people there. He urged the BRICS countries to align themselves with the right side of history by contributing to peace and tranquility in these regions.
The backdrop of Xi's remarks is the ongoing conflict involving the US and Iran, which has led to widespread destruction of both civil and military infrastructures and has disrupted global energy supplies. Xi also encouraged BRICS members to spearhead efforts in promoting mutual understanding among different civilizations and enhancing global governance frameworks.
Xi outlined the BRICS cooperation mechanism as the most influential platform for emerging markets and developing countries. He expressed opposition to a "Cold War mentality and bloc confrontation," urging the bloc to respect national sovereignty and refrain from interfering in internal affairs. Additionally, he rejected protectionism and called for the BRICS group to lead in global governance, particularly in cyberspace, outer space, and deep-sea exploration, while amplifying the voice of the Global South.
The Chinese leader also highlighted the importance of BRICS pioneering improvements in global governance and supporting the UN's authority. He advocated for strengthened cooperation in the field of artificial intelligence among member nations.
The summit in New Delhi, attended by leaders from China, Russia, and Iran, among others, occurs as the US-Iran conflict has persisted for seven months and the Russia-Ukraine war has extended beyond four years. Following India, China is set to assume the rotating BRICS presidency next year.
On the agenda for Sunday is an open session titled 'Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation, and Sustainability: Shaping the Future for Inclusive Global Growth.' BRICS, representing nearly half of the world's population, 40% of global GDP, and 26% of global trade, continues to play a significant role on the international stage. The previous summit was held in Rio de Janeiro in 2025, with China slated to host the next.