China proposes open-source AI zone for BRICS members at New Delhi summit

Open-source AI proposal

At the BRICS summit in New Delhi on 13 September 2026, Chinese President Xi Jinping proposed creating a China-led open-source artificial intelligence zone for member states. The project focuses on joint cooperation to develop and apply large language models, deploy technical training programs, and establish an open AI ecosystem. Chinese firms have pursued open-source models that make application code accessible for inspection and modification, in contrast to closed commercial software developed by US companies. Beijing plans to construct a cloud platform for the digital ecosystem of the bloc, launch an engineering training alliance, and sponsor a science and technology youth exchange program. Xi urged participants to construct a broad global governance framework for artificial intelligence grounded in international consensus.

Economic integration and trade

Beyond technology, Xi called for deeper commercial integration across the bloc through what he termed the Greater BRICS Initiative. He asked member states and partner nations to maintain stable industrial supply chains and build an integrated market. To advance these goals, Beijing proposed establishing a BRICS Special Economic Zone partnership and announced it will host a BRICS Service Trade Forum in 2027. The summit also facilitated direct bilateral engagement between Xi and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, marking the first trip to India by the Chinese president in seven years. The two leaders discussed expanding trade relations, transport infrastructure, and market access as India concludes its 2026 BRICS chair ahead of China taking over in 2027.

Solutions developed within BRICS shouldn't remain confined to its members but be accessible to developing countries more broadly.

Diplomatic positions and expansion

The summit marked a wider gathering for the coalition, which originated in 2009 with Brazil, Russia, India, and China before adding South Africa. Full membership has since expanded to include Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates, along with ten partner countries such as Belarus, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Nigeria, and Vietnam. Russian President Vladimir Putin addressed the session, calling the grouping an instrument for establishing a multipolar international order and urging participants to unite their competitive economic advantages. On the diplomatic front, the summit produced a joint declaration on the Middle East with backing from both Iran and the UAE, calling for restraint and de-escalation. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov noted that Putin welcomed separate offers from the leaders of China and India to assist in peace negotiations regarding Ukraine.

Global AI standards and safety debates

Xi's AI announcement connects to Beijing's earlier launch of the Shanghai-based World AI Cooperation Organization on 16 July 2026. That body comprises 29 signatory nations, including Brazil, Indonesia, Pakistan, and Russia, but excludes European Union members. The New Delhi summit declaration did not formally incorporate the Shanghai organization, opting instead for general wording on AI security, inclusiveness, and reliability. The proposal coincides with ongoing discussions in Western tech hubs over existential risks from rapid model development, where Anthropic chief executive Dario Amodei, Elon Musk, and OpenAI head Sam Altman recently discussed slowing the pace of frontier releases. AI governance is expected to remain a central agenda item when Xi travels to the United States in late September 2026 for talks with US President Donald Trump.