On Sept. 13 in New Delhi at the second-stage session of the 18th BRICS leaders' meeting, China said the 15th Five-Year Plan is both its domestic development blueprint and an international cooperation agenda. China pledged to continue pursuing high-quality development, expand high-level opening-up, implement the Global Development Initiative, advance high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, and promote solidarity and self-reliance within the Global South.

Mohammed Basha, founder and analyst at independent risk firm Basha Report, said recent Houthi advances on Yemen's west coast reflect battlefield experience and expose deep divisions among forces opposing them. He said the operation began on Aug. 9 and lasted about 30 days, with the main ground offensive around Sept. 1. Houthi fighters mounted small‑unit attacks across multiple fronts, using mountain routes, ambushes and drone strikes to suppress government positions. Basha described them as a powerful force and said anti‑Houthi factions repeatedly underestimated their capabilities. He warned the UN‑recognized government faces fragmented command and control—eight rival military formations vying for influence—which makes defeating the Houthis unlikely. He added foreign military aid will have only limited impact and said the conflict is ultimately a Yemeni responsibility, not Riyadh's or Washington's.

Market sources: Iranian President Pezeshkian met Abu Dhabi Crown Prince on the sidelines of the BRICS summit.