Virtual Summit Chaired by Brazilian President Lula
Caution Over Potential Perception as "Anti-American"
Bloomberg News reported on the 1st (local time) that the leaders of BRICS, an emerging economies bloc led by China and Russia, are scheduled to hold a virtual summit next week to discuss the trade policies of U.S. President Donald Trump.
Quoting four sources, Bloomberg stated that Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, President of Brazil, which holds the BRICS chairmanship this year, plans to host the summit virtually on the 8th. BRICS was originally launched by five countries: Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. Last year, the group expanded its influence by adding Ethiopia, Egypt, Iran, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Argentina as new members.
This meeting draws attention as it will take place immediately after the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit, which was held in Tianjin, China, from August 31 to this day. During this period, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited China, holding bilateral talks and strengthening cooperative relations. Some observers suggest that if Prime Minister Modi shows support for President Trump, internal solidarity within BRICS could be further strengthened.
Prime Minister Modi's relationship with President Trump has cooled since the United States imposed high tariffs on India over imports of Russian crude oil. However, Brazilian government officials noted that each BRICS nation is subject to different tariff rates, making it difficult to reach a joint statement. In addition, President Lula is reportedly cautious that this meeting could be perceived as anti-American in nature.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
