- Xi Jinping will not attend the BRICS summit in Brazil this year.
- The absence marks a notable shift in China’s engagement with BRICS.
- Russian President Vladimir Putin will join via video link from Russia.
- Indian PM Modi is expected to take a central role at the summit.
- Domestically, Xi’s absence aligns with a focus on steering China’s economic direction.
Xi Jinping’s Absence Raises Questions at BRICS Summit
In a rather surprising turn of events, for the first time in over a decade, Chinese leader Xi Jinping will not be present at the major BRICS summit taking place in Brazil. The summit, which kicks off on Sunday, brings together leaders from BRICS, a grouping originally formed by Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. With Xi out of the picture, the absence is drawing considerable attention, especially given the ongoing economic turbulence seen across global markets, which absolutely raises questions about China’s role as a global power.
Beijing’s Strategic Shifts Amid Economic Pressures
His departure from this pivotal global gathering does not seem to dull the significance BRICS holds for China, even if observers point out that his presence would have emphasized China as a steady alternative to US leadership. With members facing an urgent trade deadline with the US and increasing global uncertainties largely attributed to American trade policy, Xi’s absence seems even more consequential. Instead, sending his right-hand man, Li Qiang, chefs a new narrative that Xi is diverting his focus to internal economic strategies, with plenty of speculation swirling about low expectations for practical outcomes from this year’s talks.
Discussions of Unity and New Challenges in BRICS
Of course, Xi is not the only significant leader missing in action during these two days in Rio; Russian President Vladimir Putin will also be participating only via video link, due largely to potential legal complications from the International Criminal Court regarding his war conduct in Ukraine. This absence is expected to shift attention to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who will be attending both the summit and making a state visit. The climate of uncertainty around who else will show up raises concerns about whether the unity seen in BRICS can genuinely be sustained, especially with new members like Indonesia also recently joining the fold.
In summary, the absence of Xi Jinping at the BRICS summit symbolizes a significant moment for China’s foreign policy narrative, particularly in strengthening connections among emerging economies. The absence has sparked mixed interpretations about the importance Beijing places on BRICS amid pressing domestic economic challenges. As global powers navigate complex trade dynamics, onlookers are keen on how BRICS will handle the crucial topics at hand without its most influential leader present, while still aiming to promote greater trade cooperation among its members.
