At the recent BRICS summit held in Kazan, Russia, President Xi Jinping of China voiced strong concerns about the conflict in Ukraine, emphasizing the need for restraint among all parties involved. His call for ‘no escalation of fighting’ reverberated through the meeting, where around 20 global leaders congregated to address various pressing issues.
Xi stated, “The Ukraine crisis drags on... We must adhere to the three principles of ‘no spillover from the battlefield, no escalation of fighting, and no adding oil to the fire by relevant parties’,” advocating for de-escalation to help stabilize the region.
This year’s BRICS summit is notable as it marks the first major diplomatic engagement for Russian President Vladimir Putin since the onset of his invasion of Ukraine. Xi's remarks signal China’s intent to maintain its stance as a neutral party, even as it faces scrutiny from Western nations over its support for Russia.
Despite China’s insistence on neutrality, the West has accused Beijing of providing Moscow with economic and military support, complicifying its position on the global stage.
During the BRICS discussions, Xi expanded on not just the conflict in Ukraine but also addressed the situation in Palestine, where he reiterated China’s long-standing support for Palestinian rights. He urged for immediate efforts to call for ceasefire negotiations, stating, “The conflict between the parties concerned is still deepening. We need to... stop the killing.”
Such comments underline China's dual focus on promoting peace and stability, both for Ukraine and Palestine, which may resonate with other BRICS leaders who share similar concerns.
Simultaneously, the summit showcased China and Russia's intentions to strengthen their alliances. The two leaders expressed willingness to deepen cooperation, with Putin highlighting the role of Russian-Chinese relations as stabilizing factors on the world stage. He remarked, “We intend to increase coordination at all multilateral platforms to secure global security and promote fair world order.”
This summit also signifies the growing influence of BRICS as it now accounts for over $30 trillion of the world economy, with nations like India and Brazil also participating actively. China’s strategic maneuvering is tinted with careful diplomacy as they navigate the complex international relations surrounding the Ukraine crisis.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India took the opportunity to engage Xi on sideline discussions, reaffirming the importance of peaceful resolutions to their bilateral issues. Modi highlighted the significance of cooperation between the two largest nations which affects regional stability: “The India-China relationship is very important not only for our people but also for global peace and prosperity.”
Modi’s meeting with Xi reflects Indian attempts to balance its foreign policy amid tensions with China, and he stressed the necessity for keeping channels of communication open. This proactive dialogue signifies shifting dynamics among BRICS nations as they explore cooperative frameworks to address challenges together.
China and India’s relationship, intricately laced with historical suspicions and border disputes, is at the forefront of discussions surrounding Asia’s stability.
There's also the backdrop of these talks: Russia's increasing reliance on China due to sanctions from the West after its military actions against Ukraine. The summit emphasized the importance of solidarity among BRICS countries, challenged by Western geopolitics.
While officials at BRICS highlighted the bloc’s push for greater influence on the global stage, the nuanced relations among member nations became apparent, especially amid different stances on military conflicts like Ukraine.
Xi's caution against escalatory actions and his broader emphasis on peace reflect Beijing’s cautious navigation amid rising global tensions. His remarks during the BRICS summit can lead to significant diplomatic impact, influencing perceptions and strategies of various global players.
This BRICS summit serves as more than just mere dialogue; it is pivotal amid rapidly changing geopolitical climates. The firm expressions of cooperation from Xi and Putin, alongside Modi's diplomatic overtures, suggest possible pathways toward stability and collective action among countries representing diverse geopolitical zones.
