Topic
Brics (an acronym for Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) refers to an association of leading emerging markets. South Africa joined the group in 2010.
Bloc members may have different regimes, ideologies and religions, but they share a deep resentment of Western dominance and US hegemony.
- ‘We call on the president of the People’s Republic of China, India and Brazil not to come to (the) Brics summit in solidarity with President Putin,’ Julius Malema said
- Putin’s potential visit had posed a dilemma for South Africa, as he is the target of an ICC arrest warrant, but it was confirmed he would not take part in person
Unfavourable perceptions of Asian giant surged by 21 percentage points in two of the biggest Brics members compared with 2019 results.
In a keynote speech, Putin announced the offer of ‘25,000 to 50,000 tonnes of grain’ to six poor African countries ‘in the coming months’.
The announcement comes soon after the Russian leader decided to skip a summit in South Africa because of an International Criminal Court arrest warrant against him.
Readers write in about the significance of the first Gay Games to be held in Asia, the possible expansion of Brics, and why China must stop the Ukraine war.
Both countries should adhere to ‘strategic judgment’ that they pose no threat to each other, says top Beijing diplomat Wang Yi on Brics sidelines.
Quantum physicists gain huge scientific advances through cooperation despite US-led sanctions.
Readers discuss educational exchanges between mainland China and Taiwan, why the US dollar is like the dodo, and the rise of India.
Russian President Vladimir Putin will not attend the BRICs summit in South Africa in August ‘by mutual agreement’, will be represented by its Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov instead.
Abdelmadjid Tebboune talks with the Chinese president following a meeting with Vladimir Putin in Russia last month.
A number of countries on the continent are lining up to join the emerging global player, which many hope will rival Western-led groups including the G7 and G20.
The country is looking to Chinese infrastructure expertise as it struggles with energy blackouts and stubbornly high long-term unemployment rates.
Readers discuss China’s BRICS expansion push, and Russia’s war in Ukraine.
As a member of the International Criminal Court, South Africa would be expected to arrest Putin – wanted by the ICC over accusations that Russia unlawfully deported Ukrainian children – if he sets foot in the country.
Neither India nor Brazil want to lose influence in the bloc, but observers say New Delhi’s recent tilt to the West mean its ‘makes sense’ for other BRICS members to back Beijing’s push to welcome Saudi Arabia, Indonesia and others into the fold.
A delegation led by PLA Navy Secretary Yuan Huazhi makes a visit to Brasilia arranged just days in advance by Brazilian President Lula, according to sources.
Mutual interest in a successful large-scale state visit means real reluctance for leaders to delve into difficult topics, say observers.
Public Security Minister Wang Xiaohong and South African Police Minister Bheki Cele also discussed belt and road security and transnational crime.
Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa are considering expanding the membership, and a growing number of countries have expressed interest.
Chinese commerce minister Wang Wentao met with Argentinian counterpart Sergio Massa on Thursday amid China’s push to expand its footprint in South America.
As G7 leaders met in Japan, China’s president used the timing to court like-minded Central Asian countries.
Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro called for a ‘multipolar’ world rather than one dominated by the US, as he arrived in Brazil seeking to rebuild his nation’s alliances after years of isolation.
