Chinese President Xi Jinping called on the BRICS bloc to act as a peacemaker in the Middle East conflict, addressing member nations at a summit in New Delhi on Saturday.
Xi Frames BRICS as Voice of Global South
Xi said the ongoing war “does not serve the common interests of the international community” and pledged China would work with fellow BRICS members toward de-escalation, according to state broadcaster CCTV. He described the bloc as a “leading group” for the Global South, urging innovation-driven development among emerging economies.
Xi’s call for an active mediation role comes as the ongoing Middle East conflict has rattled global energy supplies and undermined stability in the region.
The bloc has expanded well beyond its original five members and now includes major economies across Asia, Africa and the Middle East. BRICS Members represent nearly 50% of the global population and nearly a quarter of world economic output. Xi confirmed China will chair BRICS in 2027, hosting the 19th summit.
BRICS is increasingly viewed as a counterweight to Western-led institutions and groupings such as the G7.
Diplomatic Thaw With India
Meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi separately, Xi said Beijing views ties with New Delhi from a “strategic, long-term perspective,” per Xinhua.
It marked Xi’s first India visit in seven years.
Ties have gradually warmed since the 2020 clash, particularly after a 2024 agreement helped ease the military standoff and Modi and Xi held further high-level meetings.
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