At the recent BRICS summit, the absence of President Xi Jinping marked an unprecedented moment that has left international observers contemplating the underlying shifts in Beijing’s diplomatic priorities. Traditionally a staunch advocate for leveraging BRICS as a platform to counterbalance Western influence, China’s decision to forgo direct leadership presence hints at a recalibration of its global strategy. Analysts suggest this move might reflect a strategic pivot towards more selective engagement in multilateral forums, focusing instead on deepening bilateral economic partnerships and securing technological self-reliance amid escalating geopolitical tensions.

Key factors contributing to Xi’s absence include:

  • Increasing focus on domestic economic…