Chinese President Xi Jinping skipped a scheduled speech at the Brics summit’s key multilateral business forum held in South Africa yesterday where leaders of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa convened. This raised eyebrows and triggered widespread speculation about the reasons behind his no-show.
Xi’s arrival in Johannesburg for the Brics summit was much anticipated, as it marked only his second international trip this year, the first being his visit to Moscow in March.
However, as per the summit schedule, Xi was slated to address the forum and share his insights alongside fellow leaders, but instead, his remarks were delivered by Commerce Minister Wang Wentao.
![China’s minister of commerce, Wang Wentao, reads a speech by Xi Jinping to leaders at the Brics summit. [Photo/Courtesy]](https://news.switchtv.ke/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/4000.webp)
The Chinese leader later made an appearance at the summit dinner, adding to the intrigue surrounding his absence from the forum. No official explanation was provided for this unexpected change in plans.
The decision appeared to have been made at the last moment, with state media articles and social media posts implying that Xi had personally delivered the speech.
This absence marks a departure from the norm for Chinese leaders, who rarely miss meticulously choreographed events like the Brics summit.
China watchers and analysts have been left to speculate on the reasons behind Xi’s absence, leading to suggestions of possible temporary illness or other undisclosed factors.
Read also: BRICS vs NATO: Clash of Economic Powerhouses or Impending Military Showdown?
Bill Bishop, the author of the Sinocism newsletter focusing on Chinese affairs, noted that Xi’s recent absence from public appearances, combined with this sudden change, raises questions.
“In the absence of any useful information from the PRC [People’s Republic of China] system, rumors will fly,” he remarked.
The speech, read out by Commerce Minister Wang Wentao on behalf of Xi, subtly criticized an unnamed country for its hegemonic pursuits and attempts to hinder emerging markets and developing nations.
“Whoever develops first becomes their target of containment. Whoever is catching up becomes its target of obstruction,” Wang articulated, echoing Xi’s sentiments.
The Brics summit, representing around 40% of the global population and a quarter of global GDP through its member nations, usually sees high-profile leaders in attendance.
However, Russian President Vladimir Putin, facing an international criminal court’s arrest warrant for alleged war crimes, was conspicuously absent.
Read also: BRICS nations surpass the G7 countries in world’s GDP share
The absence of Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang from public view for months prior to this incident has also raised concerns. Qin had missed the previous month’s foreign ministers Brics meeting as well.
The Brics bloc, comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, has been a platform for these nations to foster closer ties and cooperation. While some members, including China, seek to position Brics as a counterweight to western blocs like the G7 or G20, divisions exist within the group.
During the summit, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva emphasized that the group’s intention wasn’t to compete with western institutions, while India expressed cautiousness regarding empowering Beijing through the Brics forum.
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