China's Support for India's BRICS Summit: Will Xi Jinping Attend?

China Backs India for Successful BRICS Summit

Beijing: On Thursday, China expressed its support for India in ensuring the success of this year's BRICS summit, although it remained unclear whether President Xi Jinping would be present.

During a media briefing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning emphasized the significance of BRICS as a platform for collaboration among emerging markets and developing nations.

"China places great importance on BRICS cooperation and actively participates in it. We are backing India, the current chair, in making this summit a complete success," she stated, while sidestepping a question regarding Xi's attendance.

"I currently have no information to provide on that specific matter," she added.

Originally, BRICS included Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, but expanded in 2024 to welcome Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the UAE, with Indonesia set to join in 2025.

India, which is leading the group this year, is set to host the summit on September 12-13.

Regarding the recent visit of Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, who held discussions with various Chinese officials, including Vice Foreign Minister Hua Chunying, Mao noted that they exchanged views on multiple topics.

"They discussed fulfilling the important mutual understandings established by the leaders of both nations, enhancing political trust, and advancing cooperation across various sectors, while also addressing differences and disputes to foster stable China-India relations," she remarked.

Misri, who previously served as India's Ambassador to China, met with Hua during his two-day visit.