Xi Calls on BRICS to Stand on “Right Side of History,” Push for Gulf Peace
Reuters reported that Xi delivered the remarks Saturday at the BRICS summit in New Delhi, where leaders unanimously adopted a declaration expressing “deep concern” over the escalating conflict.
“The war does not serve the common interests of the international community,” Xi said, according to Chinese state media.
Xi said BRICS should act as a force for international peace and stability while defending national sovereignty and opposing external interference. China, he added, was prepared to work with fellow members to restore stability across the Middle East and Gulf.
“BRICS countries should firmly stand on the right side of history.”
The summit declaration called for restraint as the United States and Iran resumed retaliatory strikes following a pause during much of August. Reaching consensus was notable because BRICS includes both Iran and the United Arab Emirates, a close US partner.
“We express deep concern over the continued escalation of tensions in the Middle East,” the declaration said, urging “maximum restraint.”
The leaders also opposed attacks on civilian and safeguarded nuclear infrastructure and condemned sanctions not authorized by the United Nations Security Council. The Associated Press reported that the statement indirectly addressed US and Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities without naming either country.
Xi separately described BRICS as a leading platform for the Global South and called for deeper cooperation in artificial intelligence and global governance. China will assume the BRICS chairmanship in 2027 and host the bloc’s 19th summit.
GoldFix Comment: The Message Behind the Message
Last week, GoldFix shared with Founders a translated conversation with a trusted mainland source who said China was losing patience with its BRICS partners. The source described relations inside the bloc as increasingly delicate, particularly as the wars involving Russia and Iran continue without resolution and cooperation among the major members produces less progress than Beijing expected.
“China appears to have lost some interest in BRICS over the past six months and has taken few proactive steps.”
According to the source, Beijing has become less willing to subordinate its own interests to Russia, while recurring difficulties with India and coordination problems with Brazil have further reduced the usefulness of BRICS as a vehicle for Chinese policy.
At the same time, China is moving ahead with projects that do not depend upon full BRICS consensus.
“China is actively pursuing an independent path, including advancing the internationalization of the renminbi and its gold strategy.”
The source specifically pointed to China’s emphasis on CIPS, its own cross-border renminbi payment system, instead of BRICS Bridge. Beijing still valuesBRICS as a diplomatic platform, but it increasingly appears prepared to build the financial infrastructure it wants through Chinese-controlled or bilateral channels.
China Backs Hong Kong Bullion Hub With More Gold
Contents
Hong Kong Takes Custody of PBOC Gold
Goodbye London, Hello Hong Kong
Gold Clearing is the BRICS Next Step
Hong Kong Goes Global in Gold Search
Chinese Demand Supports Gold at $4000
Seen through that lens, Xi’s instruction to stand on the “right side of history” sounds less like a ceremonial appeal and more like a warning to get moving. China wants the wars ended, but the larger message is that Beijing will not wait indefinitely for Russia, Iran, India or the wider BRICS structure to align with its timetable.
That applies to economic development, renminbi internationalization and China’s effort to unlock gold’s purchasing power through clearing, collateral and secured financing. It will also leave room for selective cooperation with the United States where Chinese and American interests overlap, particularly if both governments conclude that continuing Gulf instability has become economically intolerable.
The real message is that China still wants BRICS cooperation. It is increasingly willing to proceed without it.