BRICS Summit Opens in Brazil Amid Notable Absences and Global Shifts
Hong Kong (CNN) —
The BRICS summit commenced in Rio de Janeiro this weekend, marked by the unprecedented absence of Chinese President Xi Jinping—the first time he has skipped the gathering since assuming power over a decade ago. Xi, a driving force behind the bloc’s expansion and its challenge to Western-dominated geopolitics, delegated representation to Premier Li Qiang, signaling a rare departure from his central role in shaping the group’s agenda.
Founded in 2009 by Brazil, Russia, India, China, and later South Africa, BRICS has evolved into a key platform for emerging economies seeking to counterbalance G7 influence. Its 2024 expansion now includes Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Indonesia, and the UAE, though internal cohesion remains a challenge amid divergent priorities among members.
Leadership Void and Global Implications
Xi’s absence arrives at a pivotal moment: BRICS members face escalating U.S. tariffs set by President Donald Trump, whose “America First” trade policies have roiled global markets. Observers note the summit could have offered China a stage to position itself as a stabilizing force for the Global South, particularly after recent U.S.-led airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities.
“BRICS remains vital to Beijing’s strategy to avoid containment by U.S. allies,” said Chong Ja Ian, a political scientist at the National University of Singapore. However, domestic economic pressures and a looming Chinese leadership conclave likely prioritized Xi’s attention.
Russian President Vladimir Putin also joins remotely, avoiding arrest under an ICC warrant. His virtual attendance, a repeat of 2023, leaves Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and South Africa’s Cyril Ramaphosa as prominent in-person attendees.
Expansion and Internal Tensions
The inclusion of Iran and Ethiopia has amplified scrutiny of the bloc’s effectiveness. While BRICS positions itself as a voice for the “Global South,” divisions persist: A recent statement condemning strikes on Iran omitted direct criticism of the U.S. or Israel, underscoring fractures.
Economic priorities dominate the agenda, with Brazil advocating reduced dollar dependency amid Trump’s tariff threats. While de-dollarization efforts—pushed by sanctioned members like Russia and Iran—may advance, proposals for a unified BRICS currency remain sidelined.
“This summit will test whether BRICS+ can transition from rhetoric to policy,” said University of Hong Kong analyst Brian Wong. “Xi’s absence doesn’t diminish Beijing’s commitment, but cohesion will hinge on balancing national interests with collective ambitions.”
Domestic Pressures Shape Diplomacy
For host Brazil, Xi’s no-show follows extensive bilateral engagement, including a state visit to China in May. Meanwhile, U.S. observers monitor discussions on alternative financial systems, wary of efforts to erode dollar hegemony.
As leaders convene, the bloc’s ability to navigate Trump-era volatility—and its own growing complexity—will determine whether BRICS+ emerges as a cohesive counterweight or a fragmented coalition.
