China is actively asserting its role in global affairs, championing a multipolar world order through the expansion of BRICS and navigating complex diplomatic ties with the United States and India. The nation’s economic and diplomatic influence is increasingly shaping international politics, challenging traditional Western-led structures.
BRICS Expansion and Global Influence
The BRICS group, comprising major emerging economies, held its 18th summit in New Delhi, India, on September 12-13, 2026. Delegations from Brazil, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iran, Russia, South Africa, and the United Arab Emirates participated, highlighting the group’s growing reach. China views BRICS as a crucial platform for building a multipolar world order, advocating for a stronger role for emerging economies in global governance.
The concept of BRICS was first coined in 2001 by Jim O’Neill, an economist at Goldman Sachs, to analyze the potential of Brazil, Russia, India, and China. The first BRICS summit took place in Yekaterinburg, Russia, in 2009, with South Africa joining in 2010. The group’s primary objectives include fostering economic and development cooperation among members, advocating for reforms in international financial and political institutions, and strengthening South-South cooperation. The establishment of the New Development Bank, an alternative to the World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF), exemplifies BRICS’s challenge to the traditional Western-led international economic system.
Navigating US and India Relations
China’s relationship with the United States remains one of the most critical bilateral ties in global politics, marked by both cooperation and competition. Chinese President Xi Jinping visited the United States in September 2026, where he discussed key issues such as trade, technology, artificial intelligence (AI), military relations, and Taiwan with US President Donald Trump. On September 28, 2026, both nations agreed to foster a constructive relationship based on respect, fairness, and reciprocity, and to establish a bilateral communication channel for AI-related emergencies. This follows earlier discussions on AI regulation, as reported in US, China diverge on AI regulation amid race for dominance.
Meanwhile, relations between India and China, despite long-standing border and strategic disagreements, have seen efforts to advance economic and diplomatic ties. India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar stated on September 29, 2026, that India-China relations are better than they were a few years ago. Both countries have emphasized maintaining peace and stability along their borders, increasing bilateral trade, and enhancing people-to-people contact, as highlighted on September 14, 2026. The BRICS platform provides an opportunity for India and China to engage in dialogue on bilateral and multilateral issues, including border management and economic cooperation.
China’s Role in the United Nations and Economic Landscape
As a founding member and permanent member of the United Nations (UN) Security Council with veto power, China plays a significant role in global governance. It contributes substantially to the UN budget and peacekeeping missions. China consistently advocates for increased representation and a stronger role for developing and Southern nations in the UN General Assembly. The nation has also presented its views on critical global issues such as climate change, sustainable development, AI, international security, and regional conflict resolution, including in the Middle East and Ukraine. China has committed to reducing carbon emissions and achieving carbon neutrality in the long term.
Economically, China’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) expanded by 5.0 percent year-on-year in the first quarter of 2026, up from 4.5 percent in the previous quarter. However, GDP growth slowed to 4.3 percent in the second quarter of 2026, marking its weakest expansion since the fourth quarter of 2022. The World Bank projects China’s real GDP growth to be 5.0 percent in 2026. Some reports, such as one by the Rhodium Group on April 2, 2026, suggest that China’s actual economic growth rate might be half of official figures due to rising debt, an aging population, and declining purchasing power.
Background and Future Outlook
China’s economic ascent began with gradual reforms, a focus on manufacturing, attracting foreign investment and technology, and developing special economic zones like Shenzhen. The reform process gained momentum after Deng Xiaoping’s southern tour in 1992, leading to the policy of building a ‘socialist market economy.’ China’s entry into the World Trade Organization (WTO) in 2001 further solidified its position as a major hub in global supply chains. The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), launched by President Xi Jinping in 2013, aims to enhance economic cooperation and connectivity across Asia, Africa, and Europe through infrastructure development, with investments and construction activities reaching a record $124 billion in 2025.
Looking ahead, questions remain about the sustainability of the “détente” observed in US-China relations, with some analysts suggesting it could lead to future instability and China potentially undermining the US position in Asia, as noted on January 13, 2026. Challenges also persist regarding the long-term effectiveness of BRICS expansion and the strength of public support for friendly relations with China in India, particularly after the 2020 Galwan incident. The term of current UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres concludes on December 31, 2026, with a new Secretary-General set to assume office on January 1, 2027, from a field of six candidates, including Michelle Bachelet of Chile and Maria Fernanda Espinosa of Ecuador.
