China Endorses Malaysia’s Brics Membership Bid, Welcoming ‘Like-Minded Partners’

China has expressed strong support for Malaysia’s application to join Brics, endorsing the inclusion of “like-minded partners” in the bloc. Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced on Sunday that he had formally submitted an application letter to Russia, the current chair of Brics.
Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian stated on Monday, “We welcome more like-minded partners joining Brics and working together to make the international order more just and equitable.”
Lin highlighted that the expansion of Brics reflects contemporary global trends and serves the interests of participating countries, contributing to a more multipolar world and greater democracy in international relations. He noted that the growing interest from emerging markets and developing countries, including Malaysia, underscores the group’s increasing significance.
Founded 15 years ago by Russia, China, India, and Brazil, Brics has since included South Africa in 2010, followed by Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, and the UAE. The group now comprises 10 members, with around 30 other countries, including Thailand, expressing interest in joining.
Xu Qinduo, a senior fellow at the Chinese think tank Pangoal Institution, acknowledged that while Malaysia and Thailand might not join immediately—citing Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s remark about a temporary pause on new memberships—Malaysia’s potential accession would be beneficial. Xu emphasized that China’s support is crucial due to its economic influence and role as a founding member of Brics.
“China views the expansion of Brics as aligned with a multipolar global system. As a founding member, China’s role in advancing Malaysia’s membership is as significant as Russia’s, if not more so,” Xu explained. He added that Brics membership would offer Malaysia enhanced business opportunities and market access while aligning politically with the bloc’s shared concerns about Western policies, particularly US support for Israel.
Koh King Kee, president of the Centre for New Inclusive Asia in Kuala Lumpur, noted that Malaysian membership could spur interest among other Southeast Asian nations in collectively asserting their positions on the global stage. He pointed out that Brics offers Malaysia an alternative platform to address regional conflicts, trade barriers, and climate change issues, reflecting Anwar Ibrahim’s standing in the Muslim world.
Koh also suggested that joining Brics would align with China’s “neighborhood diplomacy” policy, promoting collaboration on global issues of mutual concern, such as the Gaza conflict and low-carbon development.