Xi Jinping Returns to Beijing After Attending 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi
Chinese President Xi Jinping returned to Beijing on September 13, 2026, following his attendance at the 18th BRICS Leaders' Meeting in New Delhi. During the summit, which marked the 20th anniversary of BRICS cooperation, Xi proposed five new initiatives and announced that China will assume the bloc's chairmanship in 2027.
President Xi Jinping arrived back in Beijing on September 13, 2026, after attending the 18th BRICS Leaders' Meeting held in New Delhi. The first session of the summit took place on the afternoon of September 12 local time, with President Xi in attendance.
The gathering coincided with the 20th anniversary of BRICS cooperation. Reflecting on this milestone, President Xi characterized the past two decades as a period defined by self-reliance, solidarity through challenges, and fruitful achievements, including the historic expansion of the group. He emphasized the importance of standing on the right side of history.
During the summit, President Xi proposed five specific initiatives aimed at strengthening collaboration among member states. These include AI open-source inclusivity, trade and investment facilitation, digital industry cooperation, smart manufacturing cooperation, and science and technology talent cultivation.
Looking ahead, it was announced that China will assume the BRICS chairmanship in 2027 and host the 19th BRICS Leaders' Meeting. This will mark the fourth time China serves as the chair of the bloc.
The concept of 'BRIC' was originally proposed by former Goldman Sachs economist Jim O'Neill in 2001, while the first foreign ministers' meeting occurred in 2006.