Chinese top diplomat Wang Yi urges BRICS unity on security challenges at New Delhi meeting

Chinese top diplomat Wang Yi on Tuesday called on BRICS nations to jointly address pressing global security challenges during a high-level meeting in New Delhi, India. Speaking at the 16th Meeting of BRICS National Security Advisors and High Representatives on National Security, Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, emphasized the need for the bloc to safeguard the security environment and add certainty to a turbulent world. He held separate meetings with Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, underscoring the importance of strategic coordination within the BRICS framework.

In his address, Wang highlighted the significance of upholding international rules and respecting national sovereignty, pointing to the prolonged conflict between the United States and Iran—lasting over a hundred days—as a severe impact on regional and international stability. He argued that the law of the jungle is not sustainable and that countries must abide by international law and norms. Wang also stressed the need for a new vision of security, warning against the pursuit of absolute security at the expense of others, which he said would backfire.

Wang specifically urged BRICS members to strengthen cooperation in counterterrorism and cybersecurity, noting a new wave of international terrorist activities driven by unilateral actions and inter-civilization tensions. He called for comprehensive measures, including intelligence sharing and operational coordination, and emphasized the importance of advancing the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy. On cybersecurity, Wang pointed to the transformative impact of artificial intelligence and the growing global digital governance deficit, advocating for joint efforts to safeguard cyberspace rules and promote the ratification of the UN Convention against Cybercrime.

During his meeting with Modi, the Indian prime minister reaffirmed the historical ties between India and China, calling for the two ancient civilizations to carry forward traditional friendship and maintain high-level exchanges. Modi expressed support for China's assumption of the BRICS rotating presidency next year and pledged to work with China to safeguard the common interests of Global South countries. Wang echoed these sentiments, stating that China and India, as the two largest developing nations, should play an exemplary role in promoting solidarity among Global South countries.

In his talks with Shoigu, Wang recalled joint statements between China and Russia and expressed readiness to strengthen comprehensive strategic coordination. Shoigu emphasized the high-level bilateral relationship and called for deepened mutual trust to resist external interference, specifically opposing Japan's attempt at re-militarization. Both sides agreed to enhance cooperation within BRICS to promote peace and stability in the region and the world. The meetings in New Delhi reflect a concerted effort by BRICS nations to address overlapping security, economic, and geopolitical challenges through multilateral dialogue.