Will BRICS Only Benefit China? Definitely Not

Before we open the door to international voices that suggest China is predominantly using BRICS as a tool to forcefully or selfishly promote its agenda and grand strategy, we should closely examine its rich history and culture, as well as its rhetoric and practice on the international stage. These kinds of incorrect perceptions may reveal more about those who advance them and their own historical patterns than about China.

It is an undisputed fact that China is the most economically important country in the BRICS grouping. It has experienced tremendous economic development for more than 40 years, and it has been able to transfer its achievements in this area to the political and social spheres, both domestically and globally. The clearest results of its successful trajectory are the strengthening and wide recognition of its political system, under the leadership of the Communist Party of China; its increasing relevance and responsibilities in the international arena, being recognized as a responsible and essential partner to tackle global challenges; and its astounding accomplishment in eliminating extreme poverty within its borders.

There is no problem in acknowledging the abovementioned achievements and the consequences of this reality. Hence, it is only natural and, of course, expected that there will be some “imbalances,” both politically and economically, when it comes to the BRICS platform, given the different realities, trajectories, and experiences of its members. This should not be seen as a troubling issue, but rather as an opportunity.

Each nation has its own strengths, and each has also faced its own set of domestic and international battles throughout the years. In this context, it is possible to consider that, during its first decade of existence, the BRICS countries brought about a lot of excitement and potential, especially in the eyes of the global South, given its role in the transition toward a less Western-centric global order and its capacity to boost the democratization of the international system. During its second decade of existence, though, it has been facing many challenges, due to both domestic and international factors.

At the same time, the world has become more unstable and unpredictable, and China has risen to the occasion and has arguably grown into the most reliable or stable partner in the platform, advancing relevant propositions such as “BRICS Plus,” the dialogue between BRICS countries and emerging market economies and developing countries, and helping the members stick together in the pursuit of common objectives. Today, it has a fundamental role in BRICS and in its future, and the grouping has not only remained alive and well, but also gained increasing relevance in agenda-setting, policymaking and decision-taking in the international community, benefiting all its members in a number of ways.

Undoubtedly, the ability of BRICS to influence global governance should not be underestimated, and, as a result, the platform is an important mechanism for China’s foreign policy and international participation. This is one of the reasons the country has persevered in the promotion, development and strengthening of the grouping. So, does China use the BRICS for its own interests? Definitely. Like every other BRICS country does. Like any country in any international platform does. Which nation does not want to further advance its progress, development and interests, seeking to improve the lives of its people?

However, that is not the question we should be asking. A better – but still not ideal – one would be the following: Does China use BRICS only for its own interests? In this case, the answer would be a negative one. China does not want to develop itself alone, separated from the rest of the world and without sharing the benefits of its rejuvenation. Moreover, as it constantly reminds the international community, it does not seek hegemony. Accordingly, it is not about playing a zero-sum game, but, instead, about promoting better coordination, strengthening partnerships, achieving common goals, and enjoying absolute gains. The compromises China has made in the course of its relations with other countries, especially developing ones, is a clear signal of its commitment toward peace, cooperation, and development.

With that said, BRICS cannot, and should not, depend solely on China. China has, indeed, had a prominent role in BRICS, but the five nations should improve their coordination, further build up their integration and stimulate more exchanges between them, expanding the platform’s agenda to also include the interests of the global South as a whole. We are stronger together. Certainly, the BRICS grouping has the capacity to help lead the way in the direction of a more legitimate and representative international system, of stronger South-South cooperation, and of new or alternative paths toward modernization.

The author is a senior specialist at Observa China, an independent think tank based in Brazil and a Ph.D. candidate in International Politics at Fudan University.