China Pushes BRICS Expansion and Green Development at 20th Anniversary Summit
Event summary
- Chinese President Xi Jinping will attend the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi on September 12-13, 2026.
- BRICS cooperation mechanism marks its 20th anniversary, expanding from a dialogue platform to a multilateral mechanism spanning four continents.
- BRICS countries account for over half of the world's population, nearly 30% of global economic output, and 1/5 of global trade.
- China has proposed initiatives like the 'BRICS Spirit,' 'BRICS Plus' cooperation model, and a vision for BRICS committed to peace, innovation, and green development.
- China is advancing practical measures, including Belt and Road cooperation, support for the New Development Bank, and establishing AI and research centers.
The big picture
The BRICS Summit comes at a critical juncture as the bloc celebrates 20 years of cooperation, now encompassing over half the world's population and a significant share of global economic output. China's push for deeper integration and green development initiatives underscores the strategic importance of BRICS in reshaping global economic and political dynamics. The summit's outcomes will be closely watched for their potential to strengthen the bloc's cohesion and influence in the face of Western economic policies.
What we're watching
- Geopolitical Influence
- How China's leadership in BRICS will affect the bloc's role in global governance and its ability to counter Western economic dominance.
- Economic Integration
- Whether BRICS can sustain its economic growth and cooperation amid global protectionism and trade barriers.
- Green Transition
- The pace at which BRICS countries can transition to green industries and clean energy, given their vast resources and manufacturing capabilities.