China supports Malaysia’s Brics application, saying ‘like-minded partners’ are welcome
- Beijing says expanding bloc will help ‘make the international order more just and equitable’ but new applications are currently on hold
“We welcome more like-minded partners joining [Brics] and working together to make the international order more just and equitable,” Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian said on Monday.
“The development and expansion of the Brics mechanism reflects the trend of the times, serves the interests of relevant countries, and provides a strong driving force for multipolarity in the world and greater democracy in international relations.
“That is exactly why more and more emerging markets and developing countries, such as Malaysia, show a keen interest in Brics and have expressed recognition for and hope to join the group.”
The organisation was founded by Russia, China, India and Brazil 15 years ago. It has since welcomed several emerging economies, including South Africa in 2010 and more recently Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia and the United Arab Emirates.
It now has 10 members and some 30 other counties, including Thailand – a US treaty ally – have expressed interest in joining.
