The recent BRICS summit held in Johannesburg, where leaders of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa convened, offered a glimpse into China’s ambitions to reshape the global order. Chinese leader Xi Jinping stood at the forefront, encircled by representatives from emerging markets across Africa, Asia, and Latin America. This summit, the largest in BRICS history, marked a significant step in Beijing’s pursuit of expanding the group’s influence.
The expansion, which included inviting Argentina, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and the United Arab Emirates to join, holds the potential to reshape global geopolitics and create a counterweight to Western dominance. However, amidst this expansion, questions arise about the feasibility of such an endeavour and whether it can genuinely serve as a counterweight to the West.

China’s Push for Expansion and Geopolitical Leverage
China’s successful expansion of BRICS is a testament to its diplomatic efforts and global influence. The inclusion of six new members doubles the group’s membership, significantly expanding its global reach, particularly in the Middle East. This move aligns with China’s broader ambition to establish BRICS as a counterweight to Western hegemony and institutions like the G7. The escalating rivalry between China and the United States, compounded by China’s support for Moscow during the Ukraine conflict, has further intensified China’s drive to establish alternative global alliances.
The expansion underscores China’s offer of an alternative world order that resonates with countries in the Global South, which often feel marginalized within the US-dominated international system. The BRICS leaders’ declaration repeatedly emphasizes the need for greater representation of emerging markets and developing nations in global institutions, such as the UN, IMF, and World Bank. China’s calls for a more equitable global order have found fertile ground in the Global South, setting the stage for a potential shift in global geopolitical fault lines.

Challenges and Diverse Cohesion
However, the broader membership raises questions about the coherence and effectiveness of BRICS as an organization. The original BRICS members already possess diverse political systems, economic strengths, and diplomatic agendas. The inclusion of struggling economies like Argentina and Egypt, coupled with oil-exporting powerhouses like Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Iran, presents challenges in reconciling their varying interests within a consensus-based framework. The requirement for
unanimous decision-making makes it challenging to reach agreements in a diverse and expanded group.
As the BRICS expansion diversifies its membership, it may also dilute the group’s shared ideology and overarching goals. Without a unifying purpose, the addition of six new members could potentially lead to greater divisions within BRICS rather than increased influence.

China’s Dual Role: Economic Woes and Geopolitical Leadership
While China’s expansion efforts in BRICS bolster its geopolitical influence, China’s domestic economic challenges cannot be ignored. The nation faces issues like a property crisis, mounting local government debt, youth unemployment, and an aging population. Economists predict slower growth for China, which could impact its ability to sustain its global ambitions and support partner nations effectively.
Furthermore, the BRICS expansion could intensify competition between China and India, particularly as they grapple with a simmering border conflict. As China gains a clear advantage in the competition for Global South leadership, it could potentially overshadow India’s influence within the organization.

Conclusion: A Complex Path Ahead
In conclusion, the expansion of BRICS stands as a strategic move by China to challenge Western dominance and establish a counterweight to their influence. China’s ability to expand the group’s membership and appeal to the Global South highlights its diplomatic prowess and influence. However, challenges related to maintaining cohesion, reconciling diverse interests, and addressing China’s domestic economic concerns remain significant hurdles. While the BRICS expansion creates an image of a growing coalition against the West, the effectiveness of the organization is not guaranteed by its size alone. As China and its new partners navigate these complexities, the global geopolitical landscape will continue to evolve in intriguing and unpredictable ways.