BRICS urges Middle East restraint while Xi pushes for a peace role
BRICS urges maximum restraint in the Middle East while Xi Jinping calls on members to help advance peace and strengthen diplomacy.
- BRICS leaders have issued a joint declaration expressing deep concern over the escalating conflict in the Middle East, calling for maximum restraint from all parties.
- The declaration, agreed upon by members including Iran and the US-allied UAE, advocates for a multilateral approach to resolving disputes peacefully through dialogue.
- Chinese President Xi Jinping has urged the bloc to take on a greater peacemaking role, stating that China is ready to work with other members to help end the conflict.
BRICS leaders unanimously adopted a joint declaration at their annual summit in New Delhi on Saturday (September 12), voicing "deep concern" over the escalating conflict in the Middle East and calling for maximum restraint, according to Reuters.
The New Delhi Declaration also backed a "multilateral approach" that takes different national perspectives into account, as the bloc sought common ground despite differing positions among its members.
The agreement came after the United States and Iran resumed reciprocal strikes following a pause in fighting through much of August. Reaching consensus was regarded as particularly significant because BRICS includes both Iran and the US-allied United Arab Emirates.
"We express deep concern over the continued escalation of tensions in Middle East...call for exercising maximum restraint...avoiding actions that could further aggravate the situation," the declaration stated.
Member countries also reaffirmed their commitment to resolving international disputes peacefully "through dialogue, consultation, and diplomacy".
The declaration additionally raised concern over the growing use of "unilateral tariff and non-tariff measures" that could distort international trade. The issue comes against the backdrop of US sanctions on Tehran during its conflict with Washington and restrictions imposed on Russia over its conflict with Ukraine.
Xi urges BRICS to strengthen peacemaking role
Chinese President Xi Jinping called on BRICS members to play a greater role in advancing peace and helping bring an end to the escalating conflict in the Middle East.
Addressing the summit in New Delhi, Xi indicated that China was ready to work with other BRICS members towards that goal, arguing that the continuing war "does not serve the common interests of the international community", according to Chinese state broadcaster China Central Television (CCTV).
Xi also described BRICS as a leading force of the Global South and a model of self-reliance for emerging markets and developing countries. He urged the bloc to accelerate innovation-led development to reinforce its long-term strength and resilience.
The Chinese leader also announced that China would assume the BRICS chairmanship in 2027 and host the 19th BRICS Summit.
BRICS expands influence among emerging economies
BRICS currently comprises Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran and the United Arab Emirates.
Established in 2009, the grouping has developed into a platform through which major emerging economies seek greater influence in global affairs and challenge an international order long dominated by the United States and its Western allies.
Together, BRICS members account for more than 40% of the world's population and nearly a quarter of the global economy, giving the grouping considerable weight in international political and economic affairs.
