BRICS Leaders Agree to Expand Membership and Set Conditions for Entry

The leaders of the BRICS countries – Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa – have reached an agreement to expand the club of major emerging economies and have adopted conditions for new member entry, according to statements from South African officials during the ongoing BRICS summit in Johannesburg.

The topic of enlarging the BRICS has been a central focus of the three-day summit, revealing differences in opinions among the member countries. China, eager to enhance the BRICS’ influence amid increasing competition with the United States, has been pushing for rapid expansion. On the other hand, India, another major power in the bloc, has been cautious about admitting new members and has expressed concerns about geopolitical rivalries.

South African officials have disclosed that nearly two dozen countries have formally applied to join the BRICS, which collectively represents 40% of the world’s population and a quarter of the global economy.

During the summit, South African Foreign Minister Naledi Pandor stated that the BRICS leaders had “agreed on the matter of expansion” and that a detailed announcement with guidelines and principles for considering new members would be made before the summit’s conclusion.

Chinese President Xi Jinping emphasized that expanding the bloc would enhance global governance and make it more just and equitable. However, concerns have been raised about maintaining consensus among the diverse group of countries, which have varying economic sizes, political systems, and strategic interests.

The BRICS summit has also highlighted divisions with the West, particularly over issues such as the war in Ukraine and Russia’s actions in global politics. The addition of new members to the bloc will likely require careful consideration of geopolitical dynamics and economic interests.