Beijing/New Delhi, Sept 2026 : China will assume the BRICS chairship in 2027 and host the 19th BRICS Summit, with President Xi Jinping announcing that Beijing will use the opportunity to build consensus among member countries and chart the future course of the grouping.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said Xi made the announcement during the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi on Saturday.
“President Xi Jinping announced that China will take over the BRICS chairship next year and host the 19th BRICS Summit. The Chinese side will seize the opportunity to build consensus and work with all parties to plan for the future. Together, we will usher in the third golden decade of BRICS cooperation,” Mao said in a post on X.
China’s upcoming chairship will come as BRICS continues to expand its role in global economic and political affairs, with the grouping seeking greater representation for developing countries and a stronger voice for the Global South in international decision-making.
Xi also addressed the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, expressing concern over its impact on countries and people across the region.
According to Mao, Xi said the war had caused serious losses to people in countries across the Middle East and was contrary to the common interests of the international community.
“On the situation in the Middle East, President Xi Jinping pointed out that this war has inflicted serious losses on the people of all countries in the region, and it is against the common interests of the international community,” Mao said.
Xi called on the parties concerned to remain committed to a political settlement and work towards achieving a permanent and comprehensive ceasefire.
He also said China would work with other BRICS members to contribute to efforts aimed at restoring peace and stability in the Middle East.
“The relevant parties should keep to the direction of political settlement, and work for a permanent, comprehensive ceasefire. China will work with fellow BRICS members to play a due role in bringing peace and tranquility to the Middle East,” Mao quoted Xi as saying.
The announcement came on the same day that Xi held a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the 18th BRICS Summit at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi.
At the beginning of the meeting, Modi welcomed Xi and thanked China for its support and cooperation during India’s BRICS chairship.
“I feel very happy in welcoming you. I thank you for your positive statement at the BRICS Summit. I express my gratitude for the support and cooperation received from China during India’s BRICS chairship. We now have the opportunity to discuss bilateral cooperation. Once again, a warm welcome to you in India,” Modi said.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and other senior officials were present during the meeting.
India, which holds the BRICS chairship in 2026, is hosting the two-day 18th BRICS Summit at Bharat Mandapam. Leaders of BRICS member and partner countries, along with outreach invitees, are participating in the summit.
The transition of the chairship to China next year is expected to provide Beijing with an opportunity to shape the grouping’s agenda while strengthening cooperation among its expanding membership.
