It’s day two at the Brics summit, where the feeling in the press room is a little calmer than Monday. Access at such meetings is always difficult, but it’s become more and more clear that the closest the media will get to any dignitaries is just through streamed events on giant screens.
On Monday, the leaders from all five nations gave opening statements about their goals for the summit, which focused on strengthening the economies of the global south, and bloc expansion that would increase global clout.
But the discussion over expansion is already causing some divisions.
Brazilian Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva took to social media saying, “We do not want to be a counterpoint to the G7, G20 or the United States” – while President Xi Jinping took the opposite view.
“Right now, changes in the world, in our times, and in history are unfolding in ways like never before, bringing human society to a critical juncture,” the Chinese leader said in remarks that were delivered by his commerce minister. “The course of history will be shaped by the choices we make.”
It’s unclear why President Xi decided last minute to skip his scheduled address. He was certainly the centre of attention for most of the day as he was met on the tarmac at the airport by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, then had a short South Africa state visit in the morning, and a ceremony to receive an order of South Africa.
Unconfirmed rumours are circulating that he was sick, or had a fall, or just didn’t think it was worth his time. The only thing that is sure, is that we will never find out the real reason.
Russia’s President Vladimir Putin appeared in a 17 minute, pre-recorded video statement where he took multiple shots at the West, railing against “illegitimate sanctions” on his country and threatened to cut off Ukraine’s grain exports permanently.
The leaders are heading into some closed meetings this morning, with a press conference later in the day, and onlookers are eager to hear President Putin give a live statement
(Credit: BBC)
(Photo: Reuters)
