At Brics meet in Delhi, China calls for cooperation on strategic minerals and AI

China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi has called on Brics countries to deepen cooperation on strategic mineral resources and work together to address a range of global challenges, from energy security and artificial intelligence to terrorism and public health threats.

Speaking at the 16th Meeting of Heads of Security Agencies and National Security Advisers of Brics countries in New Delhi on Tuesday, Wang said the grouping should strengthen coordination on security issues and play a larger role in global affairs.

His remarks came a day after he held talks with India's National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, during which both sides discussed bilateral ties, border issues and cooperation within the Brics framework.

Focus on security and strategic resources

Addressing the Brics security meeting, Wang stressed the importance of cooperation on strategic mineral resources, which have become increasingly important for modern industries, energy transitions and advanced technologies.

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He also urged Brics nations to jointly respond to global challenges, including food and energy security concerns, the Ebola outbreak in Africa and the risks associated with the rapid development of AI.

According to the Chinese Foreign Ministry, Wang called on member countries to strengthen oversight of AI-related risks, combat all forms of terrorism and oppose the weaponisation of outer space.

"Brics members need to take the lead in speaking up for justice and delivering fair outcomes," Wang said, while urging the bloc to uphold multilateralism and oppose unilateralism and protectionism.

Remarks on global conflicts

Wang also referred to the recent conflict involving the US and Iran, saying the crisis highlighted the importance of respecting national sovereignty and international rules.

He argued that modern conflicts increasingly involve cyber and information warfare alongside conventional military operations. As a result, he said, Brics countries should enhance dialogue and cooperation on both traditional and non-traditional security issues.

"Traditional and non-traditional security threats are increasingly intertwined," Wang said.

Meeting with Ajit Doval

Ahead of the Brics meeting, Wang held talks with NSA Ajit Doval in New Delhi. During the meeting, the Chinese foreign minister emphasised the importance of maintaining a broader perspective in India-China relations.

Wang said that as the world's two most populous countries, China and India should promote cooperation not only for their own development but also for the advancement of the Global South.

He called for respect for each other's core interests and urged both countries to properly manage sensitive issues, including the boundary dispute, so that they do not affect the overall relationship.

The Chinese minister also expressed support for India's role as the current Brics chair and said Beijing was willing to work closely with New Delhi to strengthen and expand the influence of the Brics grouping.