Xi Jinping Urges BRICS to Help Restore Peace in West Asia

Chinese President Xi Jinping addressed the 18th BRICS summit in New Delhi on Saturday, calling on member states to play a greater role in efforts to end the ongoing war in West Asia. According to Chinese state media, Xi said the conflict has inflicted heavy losses on people across the region and runs counter to the interests of the international community. He added that China is ready to work with other members of the bloc to promote peace and help address the escalating situation in West Asia and the Persian Gulf region.

Xi stated that the war, which he said was sparked by US-Israeli strikes on Iran in late February, had caused serious suffering and losses throughout the region and "does not serve the common interests of the international community." He further described BRICS as a leading platform for the Global South, saying the group should promote greater self-reliance, technological innovation and development among emerging and developing countries. Xi also noted that China is set to take over the BRICS chairmanship next year and host the group's 19th summit.

The Chinese president arrived in Delhi earlier in the day for the two-day summit, marking his first visit to India in seven years. The summit was attended by leaders from BRICS member states, including Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. BRICS 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 major forum for emerging and developing economies and represents more than 40 percent of the world's population and nearly a quarter of the global economy.

According to Mehr News, Xi's remarks underscore the bloc's growing role in addressing global conflicts and economic challenges.