The leaders of the BRICS nations – Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa – have convened for a three-day summit in Johannesburg, where they are engaging in discussions about the expansion of their group, which aspires to serve as a geopolitical alternative to Western-led forums such as the Group of 7. This summit has attracted significant international attention, unlike any seen since the formation of the group 14 years ago.
Chinese leader Xi Jinping arrived in South Africa on Monday and held a state visit with President Cyril Ramaphosa in Pretoria before making his way to Johannesburg for the summit, as reported by Chinese state media. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also arrived in Johannesburg in the afternoon, according to the Times of India. Russian President Vladimir V. Putin, who is facing an international arrest warrant for crimes against humanity during the war in Ukraine, will be participating virtually in order to avoid legal complications.
Recent events, such as the trade war between China and the United States and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, have reignited the debate about whether the BRICS bloc will remain a loose trade alliance or transform into a new international coalition. Numerous countries, including Argentina, Nigeria, Iran, Belarus, Saudi Arabia, and Indonesia, have shown interest in joining the group. This diverse range of candidates mirrors the diversity within the BRICS bloc itself, which represents 40 percent of the world’s population and a quarter of its economy.
China, as the largest economy among the BRICS nations, supports expansion to strengthen its own influence, while Russia, facing isolation due to the conflict in Ukraine, seeks new allies. India and Brazil, with their strong alliances among industrialized nations, adopt a more cautious approach. South Africa, with the smallest economy in the group, is advocating for more African members and has extended invitations to over 30 African leaders for this year’s meeting.
These differing opinions are likely to shape the discussions on “de-dollarization,” a key topic at the summit. The BRICS countries are expected to deliberate on reducing their dependency on the U.S. dollar as the global trade currency while maintaining a balance in their existing trade relationships. However, the sluggish growth of the bloc’s development bank, established in 2015 as an alternative to the World Bank, serves as an indication that reaching a consensus will not be easy.
The diplomatic challenges faced by South Africa in hosting the summit highlight the need for BRICS nations to navigate their allegiances to wealthier and more powerful countries. South Africa has come under pressure from its Western allies over its close ties with Russia, particularly in regards to the attendance of President Putin, who is wanted by the International Criminal Court for the abduction of Ukrainian children.
In a display of neutrality, President Cyril Ramaphosa called for the return of abducted Ukrainian children and the reinstatement of the Black Sea Grain deal, which facilitated Ukraine’s grain exports to countries in Africa experiencing food shortages. He emphasized South Africa’s determination to remain independent and not align with any specific global power or influential bloc.
Overall, the BRICS summit in Johannesburg serves as a platform for these nations to come together and deliberate on pressing geopolitical issues while grappling with the complexities of their own interests and alliances.
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