China has called on BRICS nations to strengthen cooperation on strategic mineral resources and work together to address a range of global challenges, including food and energy security, artificial intelligence risks and disease outbreaks.
Speaking at a BRICS security meeting in New Delhi on Tuesday, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi urged member countries to deepen collaboration in areas critical to economic development and global stability, according to a statement released by China’s Foreign Ministry.
Wang said closer cooperation on strategic minerals would help BRICS countries strengthen supply chains and support sustainable economic growth amid increasing geopolitical and economic uncertainty.
The appeal comes as competition for critical minerals such as lithium, cobalt, nickel, graphite and rare earth elements intensifies globally. These resources are essential for the production of electric vehicle batteries, renewable energy technologies, semiconductors and other advanced industrial applications.
Many BRICS members possess significant reserves of strategic minerals. China dominates global processing capacity for several critical minerals, while countries such as Brazil, South Africa and India hold substantial deposits that are increasingly important to the global energy transition.
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Beyond mineral cooperation, Wang called on BRICS nations to work together to address pressing international challenges, including food insecurity, energy shortages and public health threats.
He specifically urged the bloc to strengthen cooperation in responding to Ebola outbreaks in Africa, highlighting the need for coordinated action to support affected countries and improve preparedness for future health emergencies.
The Chinese foreign minister also emphasized the importance of managing the risks associated with artificial intelligence, calling for closer oversight and international cooperation as AI technologies become increasingly integrated into economies, security systems and public services.
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“Traditional and non-traditional security threats are increasingly intertwined,” Wang said, according to remarks carried by China’s state media, arguing that the evolving global environment requires stronger dialogue and collaboration among BRICS members.
Wang further urged the grouping to combat all forms of terrorism and oppose the weaponisation of outer space, reflecting growing concerns among major powers about the militarisation of emerging technological domains.
At the meeting, China also renewed its support for multilateralism, with Wang calling on BRICS countries to resist unilateral actions and protectionist policies that could undermine international trade and cooperation.
“BRICS members need to take the lead in speaking up for justice and delivering fair outcomes, and elevate their standing and role in international affairs,” he said.
The comments come at a time when BRICS is seeking a greater role in global governance and economic affairs. The bloc, which originally comprised Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, has expanded in recent years to include additional emerging economies, increasing its influence on international issues.
Wang also called for greater support for dialogue and political solutions to international disputes, saying diplomacy should remain the preferred approach to resolving conflicts and geopolitical tensions.
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Referring to the ongoing conflict between the United States and Iran, he said recent developments underscored the importance of respecting national sovereignty, adhering to international rules and adapting to new forms of warfare, including cyberattacks and information warfare.
Analysts say China’s push for stronger cooperation on strategic minerals reflects growing concerns over supply chain security as countries compete for access to resources needed for the global energy transition and advanced manufacturing.
For Africa, which holds some of the world’s largest untapped deposits of critical minerals, increased BRICS cooperation could create new opportunities for investment, processing capacity and industrial development.
The discussions in New Delhi highlight the bloc’s efforts to broaden cooperation beyond trade and finance and position itself as a more influential platform for addressing global economic, security and development challenges.
