China is one of the leading blocs that has warmly welcomed the expansion of BRICS and showed keen interest in including more developing nations, including Pakistan, to join the group. Although Pakistan has not made any official statement regarding its membership in BRICS, it is examining the latest developments and will make a decision about future engagement with BRICS accordingly.
On 23rd August 2023, leaders of BRICS (Brazil-Russia-India-China-South Africa) met in Johannesburg for a three-day summit. The discussions revolved around establishing a framework and criteria for admitting new members topping the agenda. China is one of the leading blocs that warmly welcomed the expansion of BRICS and showed keen interest in including more developing nations, including Pakistan, to join the group. China’s President Xi Jinping stated, “We should let more countries join the BRICS family to pool wisdom and efforts to make global governance more just and equitable”. (Daily Times).
Xi has repeatedly called for unity among his BRICS counterparts as he pushed the case for expanding the grouping to face a global “period of turbulence and transformation.”
Pakistan and China have always enjoyed warm relations. China has also initiated several investment projects in Pakistan, including the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), and BRI that would simultaneously support the strategic interests of both countries.
However, before the summit, certain Indian publications suggested that China wanted Pakistan to join the BRICS, which New Delhi would strongly oppose. Although background discussions with foreign ministry officials suggested that Pakistan is monitoring BRICS activities, it has yet to decide whether or not to join the grouping. (Express Tribune)
“I think the Indian media is reading narrowly on the Chinese and Russian desire to expand the BRICS,” remarked one official while requesting anonymity. The official was of the view that BRICS first had to decide whether it wanted the expansion and discussions about Pakistan or any other country joining the bloc came later. (Tribune)
Although Pakistan has not made any official statement regarding its membership in BRICS, Foreign Office spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch stated on Friday. Her statement came a day after the bloc welcomed Saudi Arabia, Iran, Ethiopia, Egypt, Argentina, and the United Arab Emirates. (Dawn). “We will examine the latest developments and make a decision about our future engagement with BRICS,” Ms Baloch said during the FO’s weekly press briefing.
If Pakistan were to apply for its membership, it might aid in countering the economic challenges it has faced over the years. In reference to its membership, Senator Mushahid Hussain tweeted, “For starters, Pakistan should apply for membership in BRICS, where the lead role is of China (if Bangladesh, Saudi Arabia, Egypt & UAE are keen to join, why not Pakistan?)”.
