BRICS is an important platform consisting of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, supporting a multipolar structure in the global economic and political balance. Within this structure, China is increasingly prominent in terms of both its economic power and strategic goals. China, the world’s second-largest economy, stands out as the driving force of BRICS and an actor that increases its weight in the global arena.
China stands out among BRICS countries with its economic size. As of 2023, China’s nominal gross domestic product reached approximately 19 trillion dollars, accounting for more than half of the BRICS total. This economic power allows China to play an effective role in BRICS’ decision-making processes. For example, China is the leader in providing financing support and resources in the New Development Bank established by BRICS. The bank’s projects focus on infrastructure and sustainable development in line with China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
China is continuously increasing its trade volume with BRICS countries. As of 2022, China’s total trade volume with BRICS countries exceeded $400 billion. In this trade, China exports industrial goods and technology while importing energy, raw materials, and agricultural products. For example, oil and natural gas are imported from Russia, soybeans and iron ore from Brazil, and precious metals from South Africa. China is also strengthening its economic ties with BRICS members through bilateral and multilateral trade agreements. In this context, initiatives such as the KYG and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) have been important steps in deepening economic relations between BRICS countries. Infrastructure investments, in particular, play a fundamental role in the economic cooperation of BRICS countries.
China sees BRICS not only as an economic platform but also as a tool in building a multipolar order at the global level. Criticizing the imbalances of the Western-centered international system, China introduces BRICS as an alternative model to this order. In this context, it is observed that China is actively making efforts to expand BRICS. For example, at the BRICS Summit held in 2023, with the support of China, the membership processes of countries such as Saudi Arabia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates were initiated. One of China’s goals is to reduce dependence on the US dollar and break its dominance in the global financial system. In this context, the establishment of mechanisms that encourage trade in national currencies among BRICS countries is on the agenda. China’s move also supports its goal of ensuring greater acceptance of the yuan in the international arena.
China’s influence within BRICS is not limited to trade and economic relations. The Beijing administration is establishing closer ties with other member countries by encouraging cooperation in technology and innovation. The development of joint projects among BRICS countries, especially in areas such as artificial intelligence, renewable energy, and 5G technologies, reinforces China’s leadership in these areas. Energy cooperation is also an important part of China’s influence within BRICS. China, one of the world’s largest energy consumers, is establishing strategic partnerships with countries such as Brazil and Russia in order to diversify its energy resources. The financing and technological support provided by China, especially in renewable energy projects, increases the energy security of BRICS members.
China’s dominant role within BRICS has at times created unease among other members. While India has been cautious about China’s growing influence, countries like Brazil and South Africa have called for a more balanced approach to cooperation. Furthermore, economic imbalances within BRICS and China’s financial dominance can make it difficult to implement projects equally.
China stands out as both an economic and political leader in BRICS. The Beijing administration supports BRICS as an important tool in building a more balanced and fair order at the global level. Cooperation in the fields of trade, energy, and technology are the main elements that increase China’s influence within BRICS. However, this leadership also poses some challenges in terms of maintaining the balance between other members and ensuring the sustainability of cooperation. As a result, China’s role within BRICS will continue to be decisive in the transition to multipolarity in the global system. However, adopting an approach that considers the interests of other members and creates an egalitarian structure is critical to the long-term success of BRICS.
