Brics: China Aims to Create an Open Source AI Zone

Sunday 13 September 2026 - 09:55

Beijing wants to strengthen technological cooperation among the Brics countries. During the summit held in New Delhi, Xi Jinping proposed the creation of an 'open source artificial intelligence zone' aimed at promoting technology sharing and the joint development of large AI models.

China intends to play a central role in international cooperation regarding artificial intelligence. On Sunday, Xi Jinping proposed the creation of an 'open source AI zone' for the eleven Brics members during the group's summit in New Delhi.

The project aims to facilitate collaboration among the bloc's countries in the development and use of AI technologies. Beijing seeks to promote an approach more focused on knowledge sharing and access to technologies.

Beijing Focuses on Open Source Models

The Chinese initiative is based on the rapid development of open source artificial intelligence models by several companies in the country. Unlike so-called proprietary or 'closed' systems, their code can be accessed, studied, and, depending on the licensing conditions, adapted by other users and developers.

In his speech, which was broadcast by state television CCTV, Xi Jinping notably called for strengthening cooperation around the development and application of large language models.

This proposal is part of a broader initiative advocated by the Chinese president in favor of artificial intelligence presented as 'open and inclusive.'

Towards Global AI Governance?

Beyond technological cooperation among the Brics, Beijing also aims to influence future international rules governing artificial intelligence.

Xi Jinping has thus advocated for the establishment of a global AI governance framework based on consensus. This ambition comes as major powers seek to define common rules in the face of the rapid development of this technology.

The issue of AI security is also becoming increasingly important. The risks associated with its accelerated development fuel debates among political leaders as well as within the technology industry.

An Issue That Could Be Addressed with Donald Trump

AI governance could also be a topic of discussion between Xi Jinping and Donald Trump. The Chinese president is set to meet his American counterpart in the United States at the end of September.

This meeting could take place in a context where the technological competition between Beijing and Washington remains particularly strong. AI has now become one of the main battlegrounds in economic, industrial, and strategic domains.

The debate on the pace of development of this technology, however, transcends Sino-American relations. On Saturday, Dario Amodei, head of Anthropic, called for slowing down the pace of AI progression. This position was quickly supported by Elon Musk and Sam Altman, the head of OpenAI.

The Brics Want to Have More Influence in Technology

Founded in 2009 around Brazil, Russia, India, and China, and later joined by South Africa, the Brics group has since expanded to include new members.

With its open source AI zone project, Beijing seeks to leverage this cooperation as an additional tool in the technological field. The goal is also to promote a vision of AI governance that is not exclusively defined by major Western powers.