- Xi Jinping’s absence at the BRICS summit is unprecedented.
- Speculation about China’s internal political dynamics is ignited.
- Premier Li Qiang will represent Xi at the summit this year.
- Fractures appear within BRICS as countries impose tariffs on China.
- China’s trade policies are straining its relationships with BRICS members.
Xi Jinping’s Unexpected Absence Raises Questions
Chinese President Xi Jinping’s unexpected absence from this week’s BRICS Summit in Brazil has raised eyebrows, marking the first time he has ever missed the gathering of these major emerging economies. The explanation from the Chinese government, citing a ‘scheduling conflict’ coupled with an earlier meeting with Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, is drawing considerable skepticism among analysts. Premier Li Qiang is set to represent Xi at the summit, hinting at a troubling trend where Xi is increasingly withdrawing from the global stage.
Speculations Surrounding Internal Dynamics in China
Experts are interpreting Xi’s no-show as an indicator of potential turbulence within China itself. Gordon Chang, a noted U.S.-China relations specialist, argues, “It suggests turbulence at home — there are signs he’s lost control of the military and that civilian rivals are reasserting power.” Similarly, Bryan Burack from the Heritage Foundation points out that this absence signals deeper fractures within BRICS, as nations like Brazil and Indonesia impose tariffs on China, suggesting growing discontent and rifts in the group’s unity.
BRICS Coalition Faces Internal Divisions and Challenges
The BRICS coalition—comprised of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa—was originally intended as a counterbalance to Western economic dominance. However, some analysts warn that despite the bloc’s impressive scale, which comprises over 60% of global GDP, its internal divisions jeopardize any coherent strategies against Western powers. The varying interests of its member states mean that achieving unity and effectively challenging the U.S. dollar remains an uphill battle. While there’s talk of an alternative BRICS currency, experts caution that these ambitions may not pose a credible threat to the U.S. dollar, suggesting a more fragmented picture than the bloc would like to present.
The absence of Xi Jinping at the BRICS Summit presents a multifaceted dilemma with far-reaching implications. Some view it as a sign of instability within China, while others see it as an expression of confidence in China’s dominant position among the nations of BRICS. The broader picture indicates that while the coalition holds significant potential in reshaping global economic dynamics, its internal contradictions and strategic discrepancies could severely limit any effective challenge to the existing global order.
