CHINESE President Xi Jinping will participate in the BRICS Leaders’ Summit and visit South Africa from August 21 to 24, as confirmed by China’s Foreign Ministry.
Xi is also scheduled to be received by Ramaphosa at the union buildings located in the country’s economic hub of Johannesburg, on the sidelines of the summit.
The summit, involving Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, will convene in Johannesburg on August 22 with the goal to reshape this economic coalition into a potent geopolitical force challenging Western dominance.
Russian President Vladimir Putin, who is currently facing an international arrest warrant for alleged war crimes in Ukraine, will not attend in person. He will participate via video call and his Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov will personally attend the summit.
The BRICS expansion will be a key topic. About 40 nations, including Saudi Arabia and Argentina, express interest.
China seeks to welcome more members to bolster its global influence, while Brazil is cautious about the dilution of significance. Russia supports expansion, India’s stance, however, is undecided.
Pres. Xi will also co-chair the China-Africa leaders’ dialogue with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, enhancing diplomatic ties between China and Africa.
