Chinese Journalist Wenting Xie Says Closer China-India Cooperation Benefits Both Nations

Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in New Delhi on Saturday to attend the 2026 BRICS Summit, where he is also scheduled to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi later in the day. Ahead of the closely watched bilateral meeting, Chinese journalist Wenting Xie of the Global Times said stronger cooperation between India and China could benefit both countries while also contributing to the interests of the wider Global South.

Xie described Xi's visit as an important opportunity to further improve relations between New Delhi and Beijing. She noted that India and China are among the world's major developing countries and play an important role within the Global South. According to her, greater cooperation between the two countries could support their respective development and contribute to broader economic and diplomatic cooperation among developing nations.

She said China is willing to work with India to improve communication, expand cooperation and manage differences appropriately. Xie also pointed to the significant growth potential of both countries, arguing that closer India-China engagement could serve not only their bilateral interests but also the broader expectations of countries across the Global South.

On India's current role as the chair of BRICS, Xie said China fully supports New Delhi's efforts and is prepared to work with India and other member states to strengthen cooperation within the grouping. China is scheduled to take over the rotating BRICS presidency in 2027, which, according to Xie, could provide further opportunities for Beijing and New Delhi to coordinate more closely on the future direction of the bloc.

Xi arrived in India accompanied by senior Chinese officials, including Cai Qi, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and director of the CPC Central Committee's General Office. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, who is also a member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, is part of the delegation as well.

During the BRICS summit, Xi is expected to underline the importance of cooperation among countries of the Global South, continuing themes that China has promoted at other international gatherings. Beijing is expected to focus on strengthening multilateral cooperation and improving coordination among developing countries on issues related to economic growth, security and global governance.

A Global Times editorial said China would seek to strengthen unity through multilateralism and encourage greater coordination between development strategies through BRICS cooperation platforms. It also highlighted areas such as the digital economy, artificial intelligence, green development, poverty reduction and agriculture as potential fields for delivering practical outcomes.

India is hosting the 18th BRICS Summit under the theme “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability.” New Delhi has placed development, sustainability and innovation at the centre of its BRICS agenda while also seeking to highlight the priorities of the Global South. Xi's visit and his expected meeting with Modi come at a significant time for India-China relations. Although differences between the two countries remain on several issues, continued high-level engagement and calls for dialogue indicate that both sides see value in maintaining communication and exploring areas of mutual interest. The discussions between the two leaders could therefore have implications not only for bilateral ties but also for the future direction of BRICS and cooperation among Global South countries.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.