Overview

• Premier Li Qiang will represent China at the 17th BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro from July 5 to 8.
• President Xi Jinping’s decision to skip the meeting marks his first absence since 2013.
• Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning described BRICS as a vital platform for cooperation among emerging markets and developing countries.
• Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is confirmed to attend, ensuring high-level participation from founding members.
• The bloc’s expansion to include Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia and the UAE underscores its growing geopolitical and economic scope.