China to Assume BRICS Chairmanship and Host 19th Leaders' Summit in 2027

Chinese President Xi Jinping announced that China will take over the rotating presidency of BRICS and host the 19th BRICS Leaders' Summit, according to state media reports. Delivering remarks in New Delhi during the first session of the 18th BRICS Summit, Xi confirmed the upcoming handover, which marks China's fourth tenure heading the multilateral grouping. The upcoming host year follows previous summits held in Sanya in 2011, Xiamen in 2017, and Beijing in 2022, underscoring Beijing's ongoing commitment to steering cooperation across emerging economies.

The BRICS cooperation mechanism serves as an essential platform for emerging markets and developing countries to strengthen coordination and pursue shared interests in global governance. As China prepares to assume the rotating chairmanship for the fourth time, Beijing will be positioned to guide the bloc's strategic orientation, shape institutional dialogues, and drive practical cooperation programs across member states.

China will assume the rotating presidency of BRICS and host the 19th BRICS Leaders' Summit next year, Chinese President Xi Jinping announced during the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi, according to Xinhua News Agency. The announcement marks the fourth time China will serve as chair of the multilateral bloc. Speaking on the afternoon of September 12 during the first stage of the leaders' meeting in New Delhi, Xi formally confirmed that China will accept the rotating responsibility to advance the group's collaborative agenda. Official state media reported that the handover is aimed at deepening consensus and opening what Chinese officials describe as a third "golden decade" of BRICS cooperation. Foreign media representatives present at the summit's international media center reflected positive expectations regarding the handover. Yasmin Natasha, a journalist with Malaysia's Astro Awani, told Chinese media that she looked forward to covering the upcoming meetings in China, noting that the forthcoming summit would provide a valuable opportunity for member economies to consult on joint development strategies. China has previously chaired the bloc on three occasions. In 2011, China hosted the summit in Sanya, where South Africa attended for the first time as a formal member, expanding the group from four to five nations. In 2017, Beijing organized the summit in Xiamen, introducing the "BRICS Plus" outreach concept to engage non-member developing countries. In 2022, during the COVID-19 pandemic, China chaired the 14th summit virtually from Beijing, emphasizing comprehensive, practical, and inclusive partnerships. While state media outlets highlighted the diplomatic momentum leading into the 2027 "China Year," operational details for the 19th summit remain incomplete. The specific host city in China, exact calendar dates, and comprehensive policy agendas have not yet been released by the Chinese government.