With Putin Out, Can China Steal the Spotlight at This Year’s BRICS Summit?

Chinese Premier Li Qiang, the country’s second-highest-ranking official, will attend the 17th BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil from July 5 to 8, according to a statement released Wednesday, July 2, 2025, by China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Following the high-level summit, Li will make an official state visit to Egypt from July 9 to 10, as part of Beijing’s growing diplomatic engagement with emerging markets and the Middle East.

The BRICS bloc comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa has gained increasing global relevance as an alternative voice to Western-dominated alliances.

In recent years, both Beijing and Moscow have strongly advocated for BRICS to challenge what they call the West’s “hegemonic” grip on global governance and economic structures.

Speaking on the upcoming visit, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning called BRICS “one of the most important platforms for solidarity and cooperation among emerging markets and developing countries.”

“It’s a vital force in promoting a more equal and orderly multipolar world and inclusive economic globalization,” Mao added.

Notably, Russian President Vladimir Putin will skip the Brazil summit, as an International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant still hangs over him.

The Kremlin confirmed last week that Putin will not travel to Rio, amid fears of legal complications.

After the Brazil leg, Premier Li’s trip to Cairo will underscore China’s deepening involvement in the Middle East.

Beijing played a pivotal role in the 2023 Saudi-Iran rapprochement and has been positioning itself as a neutral broker in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

During the Egypt visit, Premier Li will hold talks with top Egyptian leaders on expanding bilateral ties, regional cooperation, and mutual concerns.

“Premier Li will conduct in-depth exchanges on strengthening China-Egypt relations and cooperation,” Mao Ning confirmed.

China’s strategic outreach signals its intent to amplify influence across the Global South, using BRICS and diplomatic visits to cement its role as a global power reshaping the geopolitical order.

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