Article Title:
Reports Suggest Malaysia Appeals to China for Backing in BRICS Membership Bid
Article Content:
According to recent reports, Malaysia has reached out to China, seeking its support for the Southeast Asian nation’s bid to join the BRICS nations, a prominent association of five major emerging national economies: Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.
Citing an anonymous official, the reports suggest that Malaysia is keen on strengthening its international standing and enhancing its strategic engagement through BRICS membership. The same source added that Malaysia is expected to make a formal request to join the association within this year.
BRICS is known for its considerable influence in global economic affairs as it represents a significant portion of the world’s economic growth, development potential, and population. Malaysia reportedly hopes that joining the economic bloc would multiply its influence on the global stage and provide it with opportunities to drive regional cooperation and development.
China, already a prominent member of BRICS, did not immediately comment on Malaysia’s request for support. Its response is expected to significantly shape the outcome of Malaysia’s bid to join, which will ultimately be decided upon by all five current BRICS members.
It’s notable that expansions of BRICS have been proposed before, with countries such as Argentina, Indonesia, and Turkey expressing interest in joining the group. However, no new member has yet been added since South Africa joined in 2010, turning the collective from the ‘BRIC’ nations into ‘BRICS’. The addition of Malaysia could potentially signal a new era for the influential economic association.
