China doubles down as defender of free trade at Brics, but divisions remain

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Sept 8 doubled down on efforts to pitch China as a defender of the international order and free trade at a meeting of Brics, but divisions remain among the 11-member grouping. Assoc Prof Dylan Loh of NTU believes there is a lot of continuity in Mr Xi’s speech at the Brics meeting from his recent statements at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit and the Victory Day parade. “The twin themes that I see emerging quite strongly is his emphasis on the Global South (and China’s position as a leader here) and China’s role as the key upholder and defender of the current international order,” said Prof Loh, who studies Chinese foreign policy. 

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