China urges members not to view BRICS expansion as a challenge

By Rhod Mackenzie

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi stated on Thursday that the expansion of BRICS should not be viewed as a challenge.

He emphasized that the development and strengthening of BRICS countries would enhance peacekeeping forces and expand the global front of justice. This statement was made during the annual press conference held within the framework of the session of the National People's Congress (Parliament of the People's Republic of China).
He believes that the expansion of BRICS reflects the collective rise of the Global South and the acceleration of the process of strengthening the multipolarity of the world.
The Chinese Foreign Minister stated that the Global South is no longer the 'silent majority'. It has become a significant force in transforming the international order and a beacon of hope for change.
Wang Yi stated that China supports the Russian Federation in hosting the first BRICS summit after the association's expansion.
BRICS is a transnational association comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa.
Russia assumed the chairmanship of BRICS on January 1, 2024. On the same day, Ethiopia, Egypt, Iran, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia officially joined the organization. Argentina received an offer to join the bloc in August 2023 but refused after Javier Miley came to power.
Once all invited states have joined, BRICS membership will expand to ten countries, representing a population of 3.6 billion people, almost 50% of the world's total, as well as more than 40% of world oil production and about 25% of world goods exports.
In February, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro spoke about plans to join BRICS. Last year, Caracas expressed its interest in joining the organization. Maduro has stated that Venezuela may join BRICS in autumn 2024.