Chinese leader Xi Jinping is taking a trip outside Chines borders for just the second time this year. He’s en route to South Africa for a three-day state visit.
There, he’s set to attend a summit with leaders of the BRICS emerging economies—Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. It’s the organization’s first in-person meeting post-pandemic. And together, its members make up more than 40 percent of the global population.
Xi’s trip largely aims to improve Chinese ties with those nations. The group is being seen as a counter to Western policies and influence as Beijing’s relations with Washington continue down a tailspin.
Xi is expected to be at the center of the event since his Russian counterpart Putin will not attend in person.