Xi pitches AI Vision at BRICS summit as China duels with U.S.

Chinese President Xi Jinping used the BRICS summit in New Delhi to promote China's vision for artificial intelligence, positioning the country to challenge the United States' global influence in the technology. Xi unveiled plans for a BRICS "community" focused on open-source AI, including large language models, seminars, and training courses. This initiative aims to support cooperation among BRICS nations in developing and applying AI, as well as collaboration and sharing of resources.

Xi also introduced the World AI Cooperation Organization, consisting of nearly 30 countries, and urged BRICS members to strengthen cooperation in the field of AI. Beijing seeks to create an open-source AI ecosystem providing affordable alternatives to U.S. technology for its citizens and global customers, while American developers prefer closed models.

However, it remains unclear if other BRICS members, such as the United Arab Emirates and India, are fully embracing China's AI vision. The joint declaration issued by the group on Saturday called for international cooperation in enhancing AI resource accessibility while ensuring safety, security, inclusiveness, and reliability. The specific outcome of China's AI push remains to be seen, but Beijing intends to advocate for AI governance again when it hosts the BRICS Summit in 2027, particularly topics such as AI, digital economy, and green development.