Recent reporting from CNN indicated that Chinese President Xi Jinping did not attend the BRICS business forum in South Africa. The broadcast suggested expectations for his in-person presence did not come to pass and did not show an official Beijing statement about canceling the appearance. Instead, Wang Wentao, China’s commerce minister, delivered the keynote on Xi Jinping’s behalf, articulating China’s positions and priorities for BRICS discussions. This arrangement underscores how Beijing often manages messaging when top leaders are unavailable in person while still signaling continuity and active engagement within BRICS dialogue.
According to the American network, Xi Jinping was the only BRICS leader not present in person at the forum. Other heads of state joined through either on-site participation or remote connections. The same report noted that Russian President Vladimir Putin attended remotely, illustrating a mix of in-country and virtual participation among BRICS members. The attendance pattern highlighted how member nations balance domestic priorities with international diplomacy during large multilateral gatherings.
Beyond attendance, conversations focused on expanding BRICS to include additional states. The report identified Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa as core members, while signaling that Iran, Argentina, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Egypt stood as prospects for formal accession. The discussion also hinted that another African nation could join, reflecting ongoing talks about broadening BRICS to reflect shifting global economic influence and regional representation. Such developments would influence trade, investment, and geopolitical alignment among BRICS partners and their peers.
The broader framing of BRICS at the time suggested a deliberate push to widen membership and deepen economic and strategic reach. Observers noted that each potential new member brings distinct advantages, including access to expanding markets, energy resources, and rising consumer demand. Analysts stressed that accession typically involves a blend of diplomatic dialogue, economic assessment, and considerations of political alignment within BRICS’ long-term goals. The expansion discussions highlighted BRICS’ effort to balance inclusivity with the integrity of its operating principles and decision-making processes.
Historically, BRICS expansions have met with mixed reactions from member states and observers. The possibility of adding partners from the Middle East, Europe, or Latin America signals an intent to diversify economic partnerships and reshape the global development agenda. As talks continue, stakeholders will observe how new members integrate into BRICS frameworks, from trade cooperation and investment protocols to joint research initiatives and financial mechanisms. The evolving stance of BRICS during this period mirrors broader global conversations about multipolarity, regional leadership, and the pursuit of alternative development models that complement existing alliances.