BRICS Summit Avoids Provoking Trump; Xi Jinping Absent for 'More Important Matters'

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[People News] The BRICS leaders' meeting took place in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on July 6 and 7. Chinese Premier Li Qiang represented Xi Jinping, who was reportedly occupied with more pressing matters. Russian President Putin attended via video link due to concerns about potential arrest. Xi Jinping's absence, along with Putin's inability to attend in person, significantly diminished the summit's focus on the U.S., which relieved the host country Brazil, as they did not have to overly concern themselves with angering Trump.

An article by Li Haoyu in the Shanghai Observer reveals that Stuenkel, a professor of international relations at the Brazilian think tank Fundação Getulio Vargas, remarked, 'Brazil hopes to keep the discussions at this summit as technical as possible.' He believes that the absence of both Putin and Xi Jinping is advantageous for Brazil, making it easier to issue a less controversial statement to avoid displeasing Trump, especially with tariff deadlines approaching.

The article notes that the summit is expected to carefully address several urgent topics, including Israel's attacks on Iran, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, and Trump's reciprocal tariffs. Trump had previously threatened to impose a 100% tariff on BRICS countries, and the organizers are likely to remain silent to avoid provoking him.

A Brazilian government official informed the Associated Press on the 3rd that the summit is expected to release three joint statements and one final declaration, stating, 'These documents will aim to avoid being constrained by the current geopolitical tensions as much as possible.'

Professor Garcia from the Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro remarked that the summit has chosen to concentrate on less contentious topics, such as enhancing trade relations among member nations and addressing global public health issues. "Brazil aims to minimize losses as much as possible and avoid attracting the attention of the Trump administration to mitigate risks to the Brazilian economy." 

Due to the International Criminal Court (ICC) charging Putin with waging war against Ukraine and committing war crimes, he can only participate in the meeting via video link. Putin refrains from travelling to Brazil because the country, as a member of the ICC, is legally obligated to assist in his arrest. 

Chinese Premier Li Qiang represented Xi Jinping at the summit. Xi Jinping was unable to attend due to pressing commitments. This absence does not indicate a lack of importance placed on the BRICS summit by Xi Jinping, nor does it suggest that the Chinese Communist Party is not keen to unite BRICS nations against the West. 

According to the Hong Kong media outlet South China Morning Post, China informed the host country Brazil that Xi Jinping's absence was due to a scheduling conflict. However, many speculate that this may be indicative of Xi Jinping's diminishing power. 

Former U.S. National Security Advisor Michael Flynn issued a warning on the X platform on June 27, stating, "Attention! China is clearly experiencing a power transition," which has sparked considerable discussion.

In a coincidental development, former U.S. diplomat Gregory W. Slayton published an article in the New York Post on June 28, suggesting that, given the circumstances of the past few months, the possibility of Chinese President Xi Jinping stepping down is likely imminent, with the Chinese Communist Party elders pulling the strings behind the scenes. Slayton also mentioned that Xi Jinping's health is deteriorating, and he may retire this August or only hold a ceremonial position.

According to reports from Dajiyuan, since May, Xi Jinping has lost his grip on power, with Chinese Communist Party elder Wen Jiabao and Vice Chairman of the Central Military Commission Zhang Youxia effectively taking control. While Xi Jinping remains in office, he is merely being set up to play a role.