Xi Jinping Skips BRICS Summit: What Does It Mean?
Chinese President Xi Jinping will not be attending the upcoming BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. This marks the first time in 12 years that he will be absent from this important gathering of emerging economies.
Speculation Surrounding Xi's Absence
The summit, scheduled for July 6-7, 2025, coincides with heightened speculation about potential shifts within China's political landscape. Gordon Chang, an expert on US-China relations, suggests that Xi's absence could indicate a weakening of his influence.
"This is another hint that Xi Jinping is losing influence in China’s capital," Chang stated on X.
China's Explanation
However, Chinese officials attribute Xi's absence to a "scheduling conflict." They point to his earlier meeting with Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva as evidence of continued engagement.
Chinese Premier Li Qiang will lead the delegation in Xi's place, continuing a recent trend of Xi limiting his global appearances.
Putin's Virtual Participation
Russian President Vladimir Putin, another prominent figure in the BRICS alliance, will participate via video link due to Brazil's obligations to the International Criminal Court (ICC).
India's Opportunity
The absence of both Xi and Putin shifts the spotlight onto Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who will attend the summit and is also undertaking a state visit to Brazil.
BRICS Aims to Reassert Influence
BRICS, established in 2009 to counterbalance the G7, has recently expanded to include Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, aiming to strengthen its representation of the Global South.