Perspectives on China’s Participation in the BRICS, G-20, and APEC Summits

Photo: Palácio do Planalto Flickr.

In November, while Donald Trump sought to return to the U.S. presidency, Xi Jinping represented China at three key international summits: BRICS in Russia, APEC in Peru, and the G-20 in Brazil. These meetings highlighted China’s strategic approach under Xi, who aims to maximize the national benefits of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) while engaging with various global actors. In this context, Xi’s participation provided insights into how China might respond to evolving global dynamics, particularly in the face of a new Trump administration.

At the BRICS summit, China consolidated a coalition of states with shared interests in weakening the Western norms-based international system without undermining global stability. The expansion of the group from 10 to 23 members reflected China’s interest in reducing its reliance on the dollar-dominated financial system while promoting alternative mechanisms such as BRICS Clear. This approach allowed Xi to exercise indirect leadership, shaping the bloc’s agenda through initiatives like the New Development Bank and emphasizing “high-quality development.”

At APEC, Xi showcased China’s dominance in the trans-Pacific economic agenda, leveraging the inauguration of the Chancay port in Peru as a symbol of China’s growing influence in Latin America. Bilateral meetings with leaders such as Dina Boluarte of Peru and Gabriel Boric of Chile solidified key trade agreements and interest in including China in strategic economic forums like the CPTPP and DEPA. These actions underscored China’s central role in Pacific trade routes and its expanding presence in the region.

At the G-20 summit, Xi employed strategic ambiguity to position himself between the developed and developing worlds. He pledged to reduce tariffs for developing nations and strengthened alliances in Latin America with leaders such as Lula da Silva in Brazil, Javier Milei in Argentina, and Claudia Sheinbaum in Mexico. These initiatives reflect an effort to consolidate Chinese investments in the region, establish commitments in technological and agricultural areas, and reinforce China’s diplomatic position on the global stage.

Main Source: (Spanish)

Perspectivas sobre la participación de China en las cumbres de BRICS, APEC y G-20 – Infobae

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External Links: (Spanish)

Cumbre G20: China anuncia medidas de cooperación con Sur Global – El Economista

Durante la gira de Xi Jinping por Latinoamérica, China firma más de 60 acuerdos de cooperación – SBS Español