The BRICS economic bloc concluded a groundbreaking three-day summit in South Africa on Thursday, generating significant attention. Comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, this five-country group serves as a prominent advocate for greater representation of the developing world and the Global South in global affairs. Recent developments during the summit are likely to raise questions for the United States.
Here are the four key moments from the Johannesburg summit and their significance:
1. Expansion of BRICS Membership: The group announced that six countries, including Iran, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Argentina, Egypt, and Ethiopia, are set to join in 2024. This expansion, which will more than double the bloc’s size, will bring greater scrutiny to Beijing’s political influence in the Persian Gulf. It also enhances the economic clout of BRICS, which already represents approximately 40% of the world’s population and over a quarter of the global GDP.
2. President Xi Jinping’s Absence: China’s President, Xi Jinping, unexpectedly missed a highly anticipated speech at the summit, opting to send his commerce minister instead. This absence triggered speculation and rumors, as such behavior is unusual for high-level Chinese officials. While no official explanation was provided, it is speculated that Xi may have fallen ill. Nevertheless, his return to the public eye during a dinner signaled his recovery.
3. Russian President Vladimir Putin’s Absence: President Putin did not physically attend the summit due to an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court for his alleged involvement in the abduction of children from Ukraine. Instead, he participated virtually and delegated Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. Putin’s absence demonstrates his taking the arrest warrant seriously, despite Russia’s refusal to recognize the ICC.
4. Resolution of India-China Border Dispute: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese leader Xi reached an agreement to de-escalate tensions at the disputed border and withdraw their troops. This development addressed India’s concern regarding the unresolved border issues. The dispute over the boundary in the Ladakh area has resulted in a three-year standoff between Indian and Chinese soldiers, with a clash in 2020 leading to casualties on both sides.
Overall, the recent BRICS summit in Johannesburg showcased significant advancements and developments, impacting global politics, economics, and relationships among member countries. As the bloc expands and faces challenges, its influence and role on the world stage continue to evolve.
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