Why Xi Jinping's No-Show at BRICS Is Raising Eyebrows: Modi-Lula Dinner, Retirement Buzz or Something Else?
Chinese President Xi Jinping’s unexplained absence at a key BRICS leaders' engagement has ignited a wave of global speculation. While Chinese officials offered no concrete explanation, the vacuum has triggered discussions around geopolitical tensions, diplomatic snubs, and even retirement rumors. So, what exactly is brewing?
Modi-Lula Dinner Sends a Signal
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva held a bilateral dinner on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit. The optics of the dinner—absent of China—sparked interest. Was this a subtle diplomatic message, highlighting India's pivot towards strengthening ties with Latin America’s largest economy?
Both leaders reportedly discussed strengthening South-South cooperation and expanding trade relations beyond the China-dependent framework. The meeting’s warmth contrasted sharply with the cold silence around Xi's absence.
Where Was Xi Jinping?
Instead of President Xi, China's delegation was led by Commerce Minister Wang Wentao, which is unusual for a multilateral summit of this scale. This move has raised more questions than answers:
Health Concerns or Retirement Planning?
Some speculate that Xi may be preparing for a major transition within the Communist Party, although Beijing has not confirmed any such plans.
Avoiding Tense Interactions?
With India and China locked in border tensions, Xi may have opted to avoid a direct encounter with PM Modi.
Internal Priorities?
Domestic challenges, including slowing economic growth and internal party reshuffling, may have kept Xi grounded in Beijing.
China's Strategic Silence
China’s state media offered minimal coverage of Xi’s absence. Analysts interpret this as a sign that the Chinese leadership is intentionally downplaying the event to avoid international scrutiny. However, in diplomatic circles, silence often speaks volumes.
By skipping the summit, China may be signaling its discontent with the direction BRICS is taking—especially with India pushing for expanded cooperation without Beijing's dominance.
India and Brazil: Closer Than Ever?
India and Brazil have long shared common goals—UN Security Council reform, climate cooperation, and trade autonomy. Their camaraderie at BRICS suggests a new sub-bloc could be forming, one that’s less influenced by China and Russia.
This could open up strategic realignment within BRICS, especially as newer members look for leadership beyond Beijing.
✅ FAQs
Q1: Why did Xi Jinping skip the BRICS summit?
While there’s no official reason, theories range from health concerns and internal political planning to avoiding diplomatic awkwardness, particularly with India.
Q2: What did Modi and Lula discuss during their dinner?
Modi and Lula talked about enhancing trade cooperation, multilateral reform, and strengthening the Global South alliance without over-reliance on China.
Q3: Is Xi Jinping planning to retire?
There are speculative reports about Xi Jinping considering leadership transitions within the party, but no official confirmation exists.
Q4: How does Xi’s absence affect BRICS?
His absence could weaken China’s influence in BRICS, while opening opportunities for India, Brazil, and others to lead a more balanced coalition.
Q5: Could this impact India-China relations?
Xi’s decision may worsen already tense India-China ties, signaling a cooling phase in diplomatic engagement.
Published : On 8th July
Published : Pankaj
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