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Xi Uses BRICS Platform to Counter US AI Dominance

At the BRICS summit, Chinese President Xi Jinping is advancing Beijing's artificial intelligence governance model as part of a broader strategic competition with the United States.

By Piggy PressSep 13, 20262 min read 2 new words

In simple terms

The rules and standards governing AI development will determine which countries gain economic and security advantages in the coming decades. How nations align on AI governance—with China or the US—will influence everything from trade policies to data privacy standards to military capabilities.

Chinese President Xi Jinping leveraged the annual BRICS summit—an established forum for economic and political cooperation among Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa—to promote China's vision for artificial intelligence governance and development. The move reflects Beijing's broader effort to build a coalition of developing nations around its technological and regulatory frameworks, positioning itself as an alternative center of gravity in the global AI landscape.

This initiative underscores the intensifying strategic rivalry between China and the United States over technological leadership. As AI increasingly shapes economic competitiveness, national security, and geopolitical influence, both powers are competing to establish standards and norms that align with their interests. By positioning itself at BRICS, China is attempting to secure support from nations representing a significant share of global GDP and population, potentially fragmenting global AI governance along geopolitical lines.

Fun fact

BRICS countries collectively represent roughly 40% of global population and about 30% of global GDP, making them economically significant partners in any push for technological standardization.

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Source: Bloomberg Technology