Chinese President Xi Jinping Calls for BRICS Leadership in Middle East Peace Efforts During Diplomatic Summit

Reuters•Published: Sep 12, 2026 07:15 PM IST

Chinese President Xi Jinping is leveraging the BRICS summit to position the bloc as a primary mediator in the Middle East conflict. He is simultaneously seeking to mend fractured ties with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to stabilize regional relations.

Xi advocated for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and a long-term two-state solution during his address.
The summit marks a rare high-level meeting between Xi and Modi following years of border tensions.
China is actively positioning itself as an alternative diplomatic power to the United States in the Global South.
BRICS leaders are discussing expanding the group's economic and political influence to challenge Western-led international institutions.

The Context & Background

This diplomatic push comes as China seeks to broaden its geopolitical footprint beyond its traditional borders. Tensions between India and China have remained high since a deadly 2020 border clash, making this meeting a critical test for regional stability.

Why it matters:If BRICS successfully positions itself as a credible mediator, it could significantly diminish Western influence in Middle East diplomacy. For ordinary people, a thaw in China-India relations could reduce the risk of military escalation between the world's two most populous nations, potentially stabilizing global supply chains.

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