China's Xi Urges Unity and Legal Equality for Developing Nations

Beijing‑based President Xi Jinping delivered a landmark address at the 18th BRICS summit’s second phase in New Delhi on September 13. He called for a reinforced BRICS foundation and a heightened role for the Global South in shaping world affairs.

Xi noted that the pace of global change has accelerated, positioning the collective rise of developing economies as a major driver of multipolarity. He warned that persistent geopolitical volatility and a suite of emerging risks call for coordinated, stable action.

The president urged BRICS countries to seize the moment, unite the Global South, and adopt a constructive stance in international matters to promote shared human welfare.

He emphasized that Global South nations must collectively safeguard international law, uphold sovereign equality, refrain from meddling in internal affairs, and pursue peaceful dispute resolution. Uniform application of rules and the rejection of double standards were highlighted as essential.

Championing multilateralism, Xi stressed the need to protect the United Nations’ authority, reform multilateral institutions, advance WTO reforms, and improve the global financial architecture to give developing countries a stronger voice.

He also linked the agenda to the UN 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, calling for joint efforts on traditional and non‑traditional security threats, climate governance, and the swift creation of a globally‑agreed AI regulatory framework.

In practical terms, Xi introduced five proposals: open‑source artificial intelligence, facilitation of trade and investment, digital industry collaboration, smart manufacturing cooperation, and technology talent development.

He positioned China’s 15th Five‑Year Plan as an opportunity for worldwide partnership, pledging high‑quality development, expanded openness, implementation of global development initiatives, and a revitalised Belt and Road strategy that will share prosperity across nations.

Attendees included heads of state and government from Russia, South Africa, Iran, Egypt, Indonesia, Ethiopia, the United Arab Emirates, along with foreign ministers from Brazil and Saudi Arabia, the UN Secretary‑General, and other international leaders, with India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi chairing the summit.