China’s influential economic bloc, Brics, is set to expand its membership to include six new countries from the Middle East and Africa. This move reflects China’s growing influence on the global stage and its determination to promote economic cooperation among developing nations. However, experts warn that the expansion could expose the bloc to new risks and conflicts.
The invitation to join Brics has been seen as an extension of Beijing-led initiatives involving Gulf states, according to Jean-Loup Samaan from the National University of Singapore. Chinese President Xi Jinping hailed the move as “historic” and emphasized the members’ commitment to cooperating with developing countries.
Observers believe that the entry of Middle Eastern and African countries adds a geopolitical layer to China’s reach, especially as these regions are integral to China’s ambitious Belt and Road Initiative. The expansion of Brics not only solidifies China’s narrative of challenging US primacy but also seeks to promote multipolarity and democracy in international relations.
While the addition of oil-rich nations to Brics aligns with the bloc’s plans to reduce reliance on the US dollar and use local currencies, it also presents challenges in reaching a common agreement on security and economic issues. The westward expansion of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and China-brokered peace deals further complicate the situation.
Zha Daojiong from Peking University emphasizes that Brics membership does not imply political or diplomatic solidarity that leads to collective action. He argues that while the expansion may lead to broader consultations on various issues, it may not necessarily result in greater motivation to support a common agenda or the capacity to follow up on specific policies.
One particular concern is the admission of Iran and Saudi Arabia, who have recently restored diplomatic relations. If tensions between these two countries escalate, it could pose risks for the group as a whole. Therefore, experts caution that the expansion of Brics may expose the bloc to new challenges and conflicts.
In conclusion, the expansion of Brics to include Middle Eastern and African countries reflects China’s growing influence and its desire to promote economic cooperation among developing nations. However, this move comes with potential risks and challenges, particularly in terms of reaching consensus on critical issues and managing geopolitical tensions. As China’s influence continues to expand, it remains to be seen how Brics will navigate and effectively address these complexities.
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