CGTN and TV BRICS Launch Joint Segment on Science and Tech Cooperation
State-backed media collaboration highlights technical integration and self-reliance during the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi.
CGTN and TV BRICS have produced a joint media segment focusing on science and technology cooperation among BRICS nations. The collaboration was timed to coincide with the 18th BRICS Summit held in New Delhi, India, on September 12-13, 2026.
The joint production, developed by China Global Television Network (CGTN) and TV BRICS, specifically examines the technical integration and scientific partnerships within the bloc. By aligning their coverage during the New Delhi summit, the outlets highlighted China's role in driving the expansion of the group and fostering deeper technical ties between member states.
The Strategic Shift Toward STI
BRICS—comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, and its recently expanded members—has increasingly positioned 'Science, Technology and Innovation' (STI) as a central pillar of its strategic cooperation. This shift is evidenced by a growing portfolio of joint research initiatives in high-stakes fields such as neuroscience and biotechnology. To institutionalize these efforts, the bloc has established dedicated hubs, including the BRICS PartNIR Innovation Center, designed to streamline collaborative research and development.
Reducing Western Dependence
The collaboration between state-backed media entities like CGTN and TV BRICS signals a coordinated effort to project a narrative of scientific leadership within the Global South. By emphasizing shared technical achievements, the bloc aims to demonstrate a path toward technical self-reliance. This strategic positioning is intended to reduce the collective dependence of member nations on Western technological ecosystems, which have historically dominated global infrastructure and software standards.
Future Outlook
As the bloc continues to expand, the focus on STI is expected to grow as a primary tool for diplomatic and economic leverage. Observers will be watching for whether these media-led narratives translate into concrete, large-scale infrastructure projects or shared patent pools. While the joint segment underscores a commitment to integration, the extent to which member states can synchronize their disparate regulatory environments for technology remains a key point of interest.