China's Xi Warns Against War In Middle East, Says 'BRICS Should Stand At Right Side Of History'

As the situation in the Middle East and the Gulf region continues to evolve, Chinese President Xi Jinping on Saturday stated that the war there has caused serious losses to people across the region and does not serve the common interests of the international community, China's state media reported. The Chinese President also urged the BRICS nations to 'firmly stand on the right side of history'.

Jinping arrived in New Delhi on Saturday to attend the 18th BRICS Summit. This is the Chinese President's first visit to India in seven years, as all eyes are now on his bilateral talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Chinese President was accompanied by two of China’s most powerful officials - Cai Qi and Wang Yi, news agency PTI reported.

The Chinese leader also reportedly urged the BRICS countries to strengthen cooperation on Artificial Intelligence. As reported by Reuters, Xi Jinping also called on the BRICS to oppose violations of other countries' sovereignty and interference in their internal affairs.

On Friday, the Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning informed that Jinping was expected to discuss major international issues and ways to deepen cooperation among BRICS members.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is hosting Russian President Vladimir Putin, Chinese President Xi Jinping, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and counterparts from the other eight BRICS members in the national capital.

The summit comes amid the ongoing wars in Ukraine and the West Asia, along with rising US-China tensions, test the bloc’s ability to find common ground among countries with competing geopolitical interests.