- Xi Jinping misses the BRICS summit for the first time in over a decade.
- His absence raises concerns about China’s focus on domestic issues amid global economic uncertainties.
- BRICS is expanding its membership but faces challenges with unity and cohesiveness among diverse political systems.
- Key discussions at the summit will cover trade cooperation, national currencies, and de-dollarization efforts.
- Leaders like Modi and Ramaphosa are expected to represent their countries as Xi sends Li Qiang instead.
The Significance of Xi’s Absence at BRICS Summit
Chinese President Xi Jinping, for the first time in over a decade, will be notably absent from the annual BRICS summit taking place in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. This significant absence raises questions about the implications for a group that Xi has actively championed as a platform for the Global South in a world struggling to achieve a balance post-Cold War. BRICS, which stands for Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, is seeing its membership expand, now including countries such as Egypt, the UAE, Ethiopia, Indonesia, and Iran by 2024, underlining its growing importance in global geopolitics. Xi’s absence, while sending his deputy Li Qiang in his stead, highlights a shift in priorities in Beijing’s approach to the organization.
China’s Domestic Focus Takes Precedence
Observers argue that Xi’s choice to skip the summit is not a rejection of BRICS itself, but rather highlights China’s current focus on domestic economic challenges. With the rise of US tariffs and sanctions, this summit comes at a critical time for BRICS member states that need to show unity in the face of uncertainty in global trade relations. Notably, as President Donald Trump’s “America First” strategy continues to complicate international economics, the summit would have offered a valuable branding opportunity for Xi to depict China as a trustworthy alternative to the US narrative. However, with economic pressures at home, Xi perhaps considered domestic priorities above the BRICS discussions at this time.
BRICS Faces Challenges Amidst Global Uncertainties
To further complicate matters, President Vladimir Putin of Russia is also participating via video link due to international legal issues related to war crimes accusations, underscoring the challenges the coalition faces with regards to differing political atmospheres within its membership. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on the other hand, will appear in person, potentially taking center stage in what appears to be a weakened BRICS lineup. Meanwhile, leaders from members such as Indonesia and South Africa, among others, have confirmed their presence, although there’s still some uncertainty regarding Saudi Arabia’s membership status. The summit’s proceedings will likely center on increasing trade cooperation, promoting the use of national currencies amongst members, and discussions surrounding the establishment of alternative financial systems, especially regarding the de-dollarization ambitions of the group.
In summary, Xi Jinping missing the BRICS summit reflects both a shift toward prioritizing domestic issues over international diplomacy and indicators of underlying economic strains within China and its partners. The absence of other prominent leaders like Vladimir Putin raises questions about the unity and direction of the bloc. As BRICS attempts to solidify its role as a counterbalance to Western influence, the summit will reveal how effectively these emerging economies can collaborate amidst divergent interests and external pressures.
