Key Leaders Confirmed to Attend Virtual Meeting
Brazil has convened a virtual BRICS summit, with China confirming that President Xi Jinping will participate. The meeting aims to address the trade policies of Donald Trump, as reported by Bloomberg News. While Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will not attend, he will send a high-ranking representative instead.
According to a statement from China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, “President Xi Jinping will attend the online summit of BRICS leaders in Beijing on September 8 and deliver an important speech.” Russian President Vladimir Putin will also participate, as announced by Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, according to the Russian news agency Tass.
Lula da Silva’s Initiative to Strengthen Multilateralism
Former Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva initiated this gathering to discuss Trump’s tariffs and to rally support for multilateralism among the leading emerging market nations. The BRICS group, which now includes Sudan, has increasingly drawn Trump’s ire as it expands with new members from Asia and the Middle East.
In July, President Trump threatened additional tariffs on any country aligning with the “anti-American policies” of the BRICS group. He has also criticized their efforts to promote trade in their own currencies.
Background on BRICS and Their Growing Influence
The BRICS acronym stands for Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. This group represents some of the world’s largest emerging economies. Over the years, BRICS nations have sought to strengthen their influence on the global stage through cooperation and collective action.
The formation of the BRICS bloc in 2010 marked a significant milestone in international relations, as these countries aimed to create a counterbalance to the established G7 group of industrialized nations. Since then, BRICS has expanded its focus to include various aspects such as economic development, political cooperation, and promoting a multipolar world order.
Impact of Trump’s Trade Policies on BRICS
Under the Trump administration, the United States has adopted a more protectionist trade policy, imposing tariffs on various goods imported from different countries. This has led to retaliatory measures from several nations, including BRICS members.
The tensions between the US and countries like China, India, and Brazil have escalated due to trade disputes. The BRICS summit presents an opportunity for these nations to discuss their concerns and coordinate a unified response to Trump’s trade policies.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who called for the BRICS summit? Former Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva convened the virtual meeting to address trade policies imposed by Donald Trump.
- Which leaders are confirmed to attend the summit? President Xi Jinping of China and President Vladimir Putin of Russia are confirmed attendees.
- Why is the BRICS summit significant? The meeting aims to discuss and coordinate a response to Trump’s protectionist trade policies, as well as to strengthen multilateralism among emerging economies.
- What is the BRICS group? BRICS is an acronym for Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa—five major emerging economies that seek to enhance their global influence through cooperation.
- How have Trump’s trade policies affected BRICS nations? Tensions have increased between the US and BRICS countries due to trade disputes, prompting these nations to consider collective action and a unified response.
