China’s President to Miss BRICS Summit as Russia’s Putin Joins Remotely

Chinese President Xi Jinping will not attend this year’s BRICS summit in Brazil, marking the first time in over a decade that he has been absent from the annual meeting of leaders from Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. Instead, China will be represented by its Premier. Chinese authorities have not provided an official explanation for President Xi’s absence. However, international media outlets, including CNN, have suggested that domestic economic issues may be a contributing factor.

Russian President Vladimir Putin will participate in the summit via video link. His decision to join remotely comes as Brazil, the host nation, is a member of the International Criminal Court (ICC). The ICC has issued an arrest warrant for President Putin, which could potentially be enforced if he were to travel to Brazil.

The BRICS group, established to promote economic cooperation among emerging economies, holds annual summits to discuss global and regional issues. This year’s meeting continues amid shifting geopolitical dynamics and ongoing challenges faced by member countries.