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BRICS Tax Chiefs Meet in New Delhi: What the 2026 Summit Signals for Foreign Founders in China

China's tax administration joined nine other BRICS tax authorities in New Delhi to discuss resilience, innovation, cooperation, and sustainability. Here's what foreign founders operating in China should take away from the 2026 BRICS Tax Commissioners Meeting, including China's hosting of the 2027 summit.

BRICS Tax Commissioners Meeting 2026: Key Takeaways for Foreign Founders

On September 23–24, 2026, a delegation led by Hu Jinglin, Commissioner of China's State Taxation Administration (STA), attended the BRICS Tax Commissioners Meeting in New Delhi, India. The meeting, hosted by Indian tax authorities, brought together tax commissioners and representatives from 10 BRICS countries—including India, China, Brazil, Russia, and South Africa—under the theme “Building a Resilient, Innovative, Cooperative and Sustainable BRICS.” For foreign founders registering or operating a company in China, this high-level dialogue offers important context on the direction of cross-border tax cooperation and China's role in global tax governance.

What Was Discussed at the 2026 Meeting

Commissioner Hu noted that 2026 marks the 20th anniversary of BRICS cooperation and the 15th year of the BRICS tax cooperation mechanism. In his remarks, he emphasized that against the backdrop of major adjustments to international tax rules and new demands from economic and social development, China's tax authorities are committed to working with BRICS members in the spirit of openness, inclusiveness, and win-win cooperation. The approach focuses on four pillars:

• Resilience: strengthening the foundations of tax administration and collection.
• Innovation: driving digital transformation in tax services and management.
• Cooperation: building broad consensus among member states.
• Sustainability: planning for long-term development and expanding the outcomes of BRICS tax cooperation.

These priorities reflect a shared interest in improving global tax governance and could influence how cross-border tax issues are handled for companies operating across BRICS jurisdictions.

China's Engagement with Companies Operating Abroad

While in India, the Chinese delegation also visited the Chinese Embassy and held a symposium with Chinese-funded enterprises operating in India. During this session, the delegation introduced a series of measures by China's tax authorities to support companies “going global,” answered tax-related questions from businesses, and collected feedback and suggestions. The aim was to help Chinese enterprises better prevent cross-border tax risks and achieve high-quality development. Although this specific event targeted Chinese companies in India, it illustrates the STA's broader attention to cross-border tax risk management—a topic relevant to foreign founders with operations in China and abroad.

Why This Matters for Foreign Founders in China

Taxation is a key professional field under the BRICS cooperation framework. The 2026 meeting underscored the importance of international tax coordination and digitalization—trends that directly affect foreign-invested enterprises in China. As a foreign founder registering a company in China, you should be aware that:

• Digital tax administration is a priority for China's tax authorities. This may mean increased use of electronic invoicing, online filing, and data-driven compliance. Ensuring your accounting and tax systems are compatible with digital requirements is essential.
• Cross-border tax risk management is a focus area. If your company has related-party transactions or operations in multiple BRICS countries, you should maintain robust transfer pricing documentation and stay informed about bilateral tax treaties.
• International cooperation in tax matters is deepening. Information exchange and dispute resolution mechanisms may evolve, so keeping abreast of BRICS tax developments can help you anticipate changes.

While the meeting did not announce specific new rules for foreign investors, it signals a continued emphasis on resilience, innovation, cooperation, and sustainability in tax administration—principles that will shape the business environment for multinational companies in China.

Looking Ahead: China to Host 2027 BRICS Tax Commissioners Meeting

The 2027 BRICS Tax Commissioners Meeting will be hosted by China's tax authorities. This presents an opportunity for foreign founders to monitor upcoming discussions and potential policy directions. As China takes the helm, expect further emphasis on digitalization and cross-border cooperation, which could lead to new initiatives affecting foreign-invested enterprises.

Practical Steps for Foreign Founders

• Stay informed: Follow announcements from China's State Taxation Administration regarding BRICS tax cooperation and digital tax reforms.
• Review your tax compliance: Ensure your company's tax filing and invoicing systems align with China's digitalization requirements.
• Assess cross-border risks: If you have operations in multiple BRICS countries, evaluate your transfer pricing and tax treaty positions.
• Seek professional advice: Consult with local tax advisors to navigate the evolving landscape.

ChinaMNC provides ongoing support for foreign founders registering and operating companies in China. For personalized assistance, reach out to us via WhatsApp or WeChat at +86 153 1898 8535.

This summary is based on information published by the relevant Chinese government website and is general information, not legal or tax advice.