China's Wang Yi to skip BRICS meet in Delhi, envoy Xi Feihong to represent Beijing

The two-day meeting of BRICS foreign ministers is scheduled to take place in New Delhi on May 14 and 15 as India assumes the rotating presidency of the bloc.

In Short

• Beijing said it continues backing India’s rotating presidency of the bloc
• The two-day ministerial meeting in New Delhi is set for May 14-15
• BRICS now includes founding members and newer countries under Greater BRICS

China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi will not attend the upcoming BRICS Foreign Ministers’ meeting in New Delhi due to scheduling constraints, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said on Tuesday, adding that Beijing will instead be represented by its ambassador to India, Xu Feihong

Responding to media queries, the ministry said China continues to support India’s presidency of the BRICS grouping and remains committed to strengthening cooperation among member nations.

“China is willing to work with all BRICS members to support the successful hosting of the BRICS Foreign Ministers’ Meeting by the Indian presidency,” the ministry said in a statement.

The two-day meeting of BRICS foreign ministers is scheduled to take place in New Delhi on May 14 and 15 as India assumes the rotating presidency of the bloc.

The BRICS grouping currently includes Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa and newly inducted member countries under the expanded “Greater BRICS” framework.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry said Beijing attaches “great importance” to BRICS cooperation and remains committed to deepening strategic partnerships within the grouping.

The development comes as the schedule of the BRICS meeting overlaps with the ongoing visit of US President Donald Trump to China, a trip being closely watched amid global trade and geopolitical tensions.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi are among the key leaders expected to attend the New Delhi meeting.

The BRICS foreign ministers’ gathering is expected to focus on strengthening coordination among emerging economies, regional security challenges and economic cooperation within the expanded bloc.

- Ends