China's Ambassador to India, Xu Feihong, on Friday, 15 May congratulated India for successfully hosting the BRICS Foreign Ministers' Meeting (FMM) in New Delhi, calling the Chair's Statement and Outcome Document a demonstration of broad consensus on international and regional issues, global governance reform, and the future direction of BRICS.

What the Chinese Ambassador Said

In a post on X, Xu Feihong wrote: 'Congratulations to India on successfully hosting the BRICS FMM. In the face of a complex global landscape, BRICS countries engaged in in-depth and constructive discussions on a wide range of issues.'

He added: 'The Chair's Statement and Outcome Document demonstrate broad consensus on international and regional issues, the future development of BRICS, as well as reform of global governance and the multilateral system. As incoming Chair, China stands ready to work with all partners to deepen solidarity and cooperation, and looks forward to welcoming colleagues to China next year.'

Why India Issued a Chair's Statement, Not a Joint Statement

India chose to release a Chair's Statement rather than a joint communiqué at the close of the two-day meeting, citing differing views among members on the situation in West Asia and the Middle East. The meeting was chaired by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and included foreign ministers and senior representatives from BRICS member countries and partner nations.

This distinction matters: a Chair's Statement reflects the host's synthesis of discussions and does not require consensus sign-off from all members, unlike a joint statement. The move signals that BRICS — now a significantly expanded grouping — is navigating real fault lines on geopolitical flashpoints.

Key Positions on Humanitarian Law and the Middle East

The BRICS foreign ministers collectively reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening multilateral cooperation to address humanitarian crises worldwide. They strongly condemned all violations of international humanitarian law, including deliberate attacks against civilians, destruction of civilian infrastructure, and obstruction of humanitarian access.

On the West Asia/Middle East situation, the Chair's Statement acknowledged that 'there were differing views among some members.' The range of perspectives articulated included the need for an early resolution of the crisis, the value of dialogue and diplomacy, respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, upholding international law, ensuring safe maritime commerce through international waterways, and the protection of civilian lives. Several members also stressed the impact of recent developments on the global economic situation.

China's Role as Incoming BRICS Chair

China takes over the BRICS chairmanship next year, and Ambassador Xu Feihong's statement signals Beijing's intent to position itself as a unifying force within the bloc. His framing of the New Delhi meeting as evidence of 'broad consensus' is notably more optimistic than India's own decision to forgo a joint statement — a diplomatic nuance worth watching as the chairmanship transitions.

As BRICS continues to expand its membership and partner-nation framework, managing internal divergences on conflict zones will remain a central challenge for successive chairs.