In a world marked by polarization, two major summits unfolded within three weeks, each highlighting distinct global agendas and outcomes. The BRICS Summit, hosted by South Africa in August, embodied the late Nelson Mandela's spirit of pluralism and inclusivity. This gathering saw the presence of key leaders, including China's prominent role, showcasing Chinese diplomacy at its finest. Notably absent were President Putin from both BRICS and G20 events, while President Biden and other Western leaders converged in a vibrant New Delhi for the G20 Summit held in September.
The BRICS Summit was a platform for substantive discussions, especially following China's mediation of the historic Iran-Saudi Arabia rapprochement in March 2023. This diplomatic effort led to the expansion of BRICS with the inclusion of Middle Eastern powers, UAE, Ethiopia, Egypt, and Argentina, forming the BRICS+ bloc. This move brought together the world's largest oil producers and consumers, emphasizing China's strategic influence in the group.
Conversely, the G20 Summit in Delhi appeared more symbolic, serving as Prime Minister Modi's bid to position India as a bridge between the West and the Global South. The summit featured extensive promotional activities, including billboards and photo opportunities, aimed at bolstering Modi's upcoming election campaign. One of the most tangible outcomes was the unveiling of the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), a nod to China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Despite the West's skepticism towards the BRI, they pushed for IMEC as a parallel project. However, opposition from key players like Turkey, along with reservations from China and Russia, cast doubt on IMEC's future.
This imitation trend isn't new. The West has previously attempted to replicate the BRI with initiatives like the Build Back Better World (B3W), later rebranded as the Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment (PGII), and the European Union's Global Gateway. These efforts reflect a broader strategy to counterbalance China's influence in global infrastructure and economic development.
At the G20 Summit, what was hailed as a "breakthrough achievement" was essentially a reaffirmation of long-standing principles outlined in the UN Charter and the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, particularly concerning Ukraine. The West shifted from outright condemnation of Russia to supporting India's nuanced diplomatic approach, highlighting a retreat from more assertive stances.
The fundamental divergence between the G20 and BRICS+ lies in their core objectives and geopolitical orientations. The G20 remains an extension of the G7, heavily influenced by a Cold War mindset, with India playing a pivotal role as a major American ally. In contrast, BRICS+, led by China, is driven by a clear geopolitical and geo-economic vision, focusing on the Global South as the central pivot. Initiatives like deepening interactions in local currencies among BRICS states are on the agenda, signaling a move towards greater economic independence and influence.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
