China and Russia target to expand influence by including new members in BRICS
The BRICS summit in Johannesburg has ignited a flurry of discussions about the expansion of this bloc. At the forefront of this endeavor are China and Russia, whose ambitions to amplify their global footprint are propelling the agenda forward. The annual gathering, a convergence of Brazil, China, India, Russia, and South Africa, serves as a platform for delving into strategies to fortify the alliance while infusing it with fresh membership.
As the leaders of these five influential nations converge, the presence of Russian President Vladimir Putin remains virtual due to the ongoing Ukrainian crisis. Representing Russia in person is Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. At the heart of the summit’s discussions is the China-based New Development Bank (NDB), a pivotal entity that involves BRICS members and additional stakeholders like Bangladesh, Egypt, and the United Arab Emirates.
DIFFERENT OPINIONS REGARDING ADMISSION OF NEW PARTICIPANTS
An intriguing highlight of this summit is the discourse around potential new entrants to the BRICS bloc. Among the five core members, a divergence in opinions exists regarding the admission of new participants and the requisite criteria for such inclusion. A diverse spectrum of 67 leaders spanning Africa, Latin America, Asia, and the Caribbean have received invitations, according to the revelations of South African Foreign Minister Naledi Pandor.
China, Russia, and the presiding nation, South Africa, stand as advocates for the expansion of the bloc, a move designed to augment their political and economic clout. On the other side of the spectrum, Brazil exercises cautious optimism, while India continues to contemplate its position.
MORE THAN 40 COUNTRIES INTERESTED IN JOINING BRICS
More than 40 countries are said to be signaling interest in aligning themselves with BRICS. The allure lies in the substantial geopolitical and economic leverage that the group wields. With the bloc’s current representation accounting for over 42% of the global population and approximately 26% of the world economy, its magnetic influence is undeniable.
Turning the lens towards the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, several nations mentioned below are actively navigating the path to BRICS membership: Algeria, Bahrain, Egypt, Kuwait, Iran, Palestine, Saudi Arabia, Tunisia, Turkey, United Arab Emirates
