Iran and Argentina Apply for BRICS Membership... China and Russia Rally Anti-Western Forces

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] It has been reported that Iran and Argentina have applied to join BRICS, led by China and Russia. This is interpreted as a move to counter the expansion of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and to consolidate anti-Western forces.

According to Russia's TASS news agency on the 28th (local time), Said Khatibzadeh, spokesperson for the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, announced that Iran applied to join BRICS the day before. Spokesperson Said emphasized that "Iran joining BRICS would be more beneficial for both sides."

Argentina is also reported to have applied for BRICS membership. On the same day, Maria Zakharova, spokesperson for the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated in a press release, "Argentina has also applied to join BRICS." However, the Argentine government has not yet officially announced any related statements. Previously, Alberto Fernandez, President of Argentina, expressed his desire to join BRICS.

The applications of Iran and Argentina to join BRICS are seen as part of BRICS's strategy to "bulk up" as a consolidation of anti-Western forces led by China and Russia. Earlier, as the United States increased pressure through AUKUS (security alliance among the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia), the Quad (security dialogue among the United States, Japan, Australia, and India), and the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF), China has been pushing to expand BRICS's membership, focusing on developing countries.

At the BRICS summit held on the 23rd, chaired by Chinese President Xi Jinping via video conference, the leaders issued the "Beijing Declaration," stating, "Through discussions, we support the expansion of BRICS membership." On the following day, the 24th, the "BRICS Plus(+)" format was used for the "Global Development High-Level Dialogue," which was attended by leaders from 13 countries, including five from Southeast Asia and the South Pacific (Indonesia, Cambodia, Malaysia, Thailand, Fiji), five from Africa and the Middle East (Algeria, Egypt, Iran, Senegal, Ethiopia), two from Central Asia (Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan), and one from Latin America (Argentina).