Xi proposes China-led BRICS AI cooperation and cloud platform

Chinese President Xi Jinping said China would take a leading role in Xi BRICS AI cooperation, proposing an open-source AI community, support for work on large language models and a digital cloud platform for the group. For investors following how governments are approaching technology, the announcement sets out China’s proposed areas of cooperation, though it does not provide a budget, timeline or operating plan.

Xi made the remarks on September 13 at Session II of the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi, according to a statement published by China’s Foreign Ministry. The commitments were presented as Chinese proposals and planned actions, rather than programs already adopted or operating across BRICS.

What did Xi propose for BRICS AI cooperation?

Xi said China would be a pioneer in creating a BRICS AI open-source community. China would support cooperation on the development and application of large language models, offer specialized AI seminars and training courses, and seek to build an open AI ecosystem, the Foreign Ministry statement said.

He also called for faster work toward a consensus-based framework for global AI governance. That broader call was distinct from the BRICS-specific proposals on AI cooperation, training and digital infrastructure.

The plans arrive within a wider technology agenda for the bloc. CNBC and the South China Morning Post also reported that Xi said China would support other BRICS countries’ work in AI and smart manufacturing.

What else is China proposing for BRICS technology cooperation?

Under a separate digital-industry initiative, Xi said China would push to establish a BRICS digital ecosystem cloud platform. The proposed effort would also include digital-skills training, technology exchanges and industrial alignment, according to the Foreign Ministry.

• China said it was ready to help fellow BRICS countries build smart factories and develop related standards and norms.
• Xi proposed a BRICS engineer-cultivation alliance, CNBC reported.
• He also proposed a youth exchange program focused on science and technology innovation, according to CNBC.

The available statements do not say when any of the initiatives could begin, how they would be financed, who would run them or which member governments and organizations would participate. They also do not describe technical specifications for the proposed cloud platform or AI community.

What is BRICS?

BRICS began in 2009 with Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, CNBC reported. The group later expanded to include Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

Xi’s technology proposals were part of five initiatives he presented to strengthen cooperation among BRICS countries. Other items included trade and investment facilitation, while the technology-related measures focused on AI, digital industry, manufacturing and talent development.

For now, the announcement identifies China’s intended areas of leadership inside BRICS. The practical scope of the initiatives will depend on details that were not included in Xi’s statement, including governance, funding and participation.

This story draws on original reporting from CNBC.