In a statement released by Brazil’s presidential office, the two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to multilateralism and the importance of South-South cooperation in shaping a more balanced global order.

“The leaders agreed on the role of the G20 and BRICS in defending multilateralism,” the statement read.

Chinese state media echoed this sentiment, reporting that President Xi Jinping emphasized the importance of deepening political trust and expanding trade and investment between Beijing and Brasília. The call comes as both countries prepare for upcoming BRICS summits and seek to amplify their global influence amid shifting power dynamics.

The two also touched on bilateral business relations, including infrastructure investment, energy cooperation, and trade diversification areas both countries have prioritized in recent years as part of their strategic partnership.

The phone call reflects China’s growing engagement with Latin America, particularly through the BRICS framework, as the bloc explores expanded roles in global finance, supply chains, and diplomacy.

Conclusion:

As the BRICS alliance continues to evolve, the dialogue between Lula and Xi highlights a shared vision for a more multipolar world  one where emerging economies can assert greater leadership in global governance.

Yvonne Katsande brings us exclusive updates from the BRICS 2025 Summit in Brazil.

Reporting live from Rio de Janeiro, senior correspondent Yvonne Katsande continues to deliver exclusive coverage of the 2025 BRICS Summit, where leaders and ministers from across the Global South have gathered to shape the future of international cooperation.

In a special interview, Katsande spoke with South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald “Ozzy” Lamola, who emphasized the growing global focus on BRICS as a diplomatic and economic force.

Live from the Ground: Key Takeaways

According to Katsande’s report, today’s summit sessions focused on:

• Strengthening BRICS partnerships through economic diplomacy

• Advancing proposals for de-dollarization and local currency trade

• Expanding the New Development Bank’s footprint across Africa

• Deepening support for Africa-led infrastructure and peace initiatives

Yvonne Katsande described the energy on the ground as “serious but hopeful,” with leaders actively engaging on how BRICS can redefine global power dynamics.

“This isn’t just talk it’s a real attempt to shape global frameworks that work for developing nations,” Katsande reported.

Rio de Janeiro — Chinese President Xi Jinping will not attend the 2025 BRICS summit in person, marking his first absence from the influential global bloc’s top-level gathering in over a decade. The summit opens tomorrow in Rio de Janeiro and will run through Monday, July 7.

Xi’s decision, though not officially explained, comes at a sensitive time for the BRICS alliance, which is under increasing scrutiny as it pushes for a more multipolar global order. The absence is being viewed by analysts as more than symbolic, especially as Russian President Vladimir Putin is also not attending in person and will participate remotely due to international legal and diplomatic pressures stemming from the ongoing war in Ukraine.

Leadership Gaps Stir Internal Speculation

While no formal reasons were given for Xi’s absence, some diplomats cite a shift in China’s international engagement strategy and growing domestic priorities as possible causes. Others point to quiet tensions within the bloc itself especially over disagreements about BRICS expansion, a common currency proposal, and influence over the New Development Bank.

With China and Russia’s top leaders absent, the stage is wide open for Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva to assert a leading role at this year’s summit. Lula has repeatedly emphasized the need for global financial reform, de-dollarization, and strengthening South-South cooperation.

Hosting the summit in Rio de Janeiro, Lula aims to position Brazil as a bridge between the Global South and the rest of the world, potentially using the platform to champion Latin American interests in global trade and development.

Modi’s High-Profile Attendance

In contrast to the high-level absences, India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to attend in person and has been invited as the guest of honor, underscoring India’s strategic positioning within BRICS and on the global stage.

Modi’s agenda is likely to include deeper cooperation in digital infrastructure, global south partnerships, and new trade frameworks that reduce dependence on Western financial systems.

“India views this summit as a moment to assert leadership in shaping the BRICS agenda for the next decade,” said a senior Indian diplomat.

What’s at Stake for BRICS

The summit comes at a pivotal moment for the BRICS alliance, which recently expanded to include new members and is exploring major institutional reforms. But diverging national priorities, and now high-profile absences, have sparked fresh debates over whether the group can act cohesively as a counterweight to Western institutions like the G7, IMF, and World Bank.

Despite these challenges, the summit will move forward with a packed agenda focused on:

• Trade in local currencies

• Reform of global financial institutions

• Expansion of the New Development Bank

• Joint development projects in Africa and Latin America

As cameras and global attention turn to Rio, the question remains: Can BRICS move from vision to execution without the full presence of its most powerful members?