International Analysis

U.S. Tariff Talks and Xi’s Absence Raise Questions at BRICS Summit

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Host: Albert Chiu The 2025 BRICS Summit took place in Rio de Janeiro on July 6 and 7. The original group of five countries (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) has expanded to 10, creating an even larger bloc to counterbalance the U.S.-led international trade order. Together, these countries account for more than 40 percent of the global population and one-third of global gross domestic product (GDP). From its origins, China has always been a major driving force within the group and has used it to influence global economic policy. So why did Chinese President Xi Jinping decide to skip this year’s summit? And are tariff talks with the United States creating rifts within the bloc? In today episode, we discuss BRICS, U.S. tariff talks, and what Xi’s recent absences might mean for China’s foreign and domestic political relationships. Our guests: Yuan I - National Chengchi University Institute of International Relations Adjunct Research Fellow Christina Chen - INDSR Division of Chinese Politics, Military and Warfighting Concepts Assistant Research Fellow