BRICS Leaders Rally: Lula Demands Digital Sovereignty as Xi Calls for Mutual Support

BRICS leaders met virtually on September 8, 2025, to defend their digital and economic independence. Brazil’s President Lula opened by urging each country to build its own digital networks to prevent external data control and manipulation.

He pointed out that a few global tech giants now dominate online infrastructure, leaving emerging markets exposed. Lula then condemned recent U.S. tariffs of up to 50 percent on Brazilian coffee and other exports as “tariff blackmail.”

He argued that the World Trade Organization lacks the power to stop such unilateral measures. He proposed that BRICS submit a joint reform plan at next year’s WTO ministerial to modernize trade rules and curb predatory tariffs.

China’s President Xi Jinping echoed Lula’s call for solidarity, using a ship-at-sea metaphor to stress unity amid global shifts. Russia’s Vladimir Putin and South Africa’s Cyril Ramaphosa added that institutions like the United Nations need updating to reflect today’s multipolar world.

Beyond digital infrastructure and trade, the group discussed coordinating at COP30 and the upcoming UN General Assembly. They agreed to create BRICS dispute-resolution panels to respond quickly to sanctions and legal overreach.

This summit marked a clear shift: digital sovereignty now stands equal to economic sovereignty. By linking data control with fair trade, BRICS aims to protect its markets and citizens without isolating itself.

Their unified front could reshape global governance, ensuring emerging economies gain real influence in setting the rules.

📌 Read our complete guide: BRICS in 2026: Complete Guide to the 11-Nation Bloc Reshaping Global Trade