China's foreign minister calls on BRICS to strengthen strategic minerals cooperation

Jun 23, 2026

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi speaks with the media at the U.N. headquarters in New York City, U.S., May 26, 2026. REUTERS/Shannon Stapleton — Shannon Stapleton

BEIJING, June 23 (Reuters) - China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Tuesday called on BRICS countries to jointly respond to global challenges from Ebola to AI, and strengthen cooperation on strategic mineral resources, according to a statement from his ministry.

• Wang told a meeting in India that BRICS countries should respond to global energy and food security challenges and unite to respond to the Ebola epidemic in Africa.

• The countries should resolutely combat all forms of terrorism and oppose the weaponization of outer space, Wang added while also calling for close oversight of AI risks.

• Speaking at a security meeting in New Delhi, the Chinese diplomat said the group should "hold high the banner of multilateralism" and firmly oppose unilateralism and protectionism.

• "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," Wang said.

• He also urged the BRICS to back dialogue and political solutions to resolve disputes and hotspot issues.

(Reporting by Shi Bu and Liz Lee)