Mystery Surrounds Xi Jinping's Absence at BRICS Summit
TL;DR
Chinese President Xi Jinping unexpectedly skipped a scheduled speech at the Brics summit in South Africa, raising speculation about his absence. His speech was read out by his commerce minister, Wang Wentao, who made thinly veiled attacks on the US. This marks the second unexplained absence of a Chinese official, following former foreign minister Qin Gang. The Brics countries, representing 40% of the world's population and a quarter of global GDP, aim to strengthen their alliance as a counterweight to western blocs.
- Rumours swirl after Xi Jinping fails to give key Brics speech The Guardian
- BRICS Summit underway in Johannesburg without Putin CBS News
- BRICS Summit: China's Xi unexpectedly skipped a business forum CNN
- Putin’s voice in BRICS address raises eyebrows The Hill
- ‘Fruit, wine and beef’: South Africa eyes trade deals at BRICS summit • FRANCE 24 English FRANCE 24 English
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