China has expressed its support for Malaysia’s potential application to join BRICS, welcoming the Southeast Asian nation as a “like-minded partner.” This endorsement comes as BRICS—comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa—continues to attract interest from countries seeking to diversify their global alliances and participate in a multipolar world order.
China’s backing of Malaysia’s aspirations highlights the growing appeal of BRICS, which has positioned itself as an alternative platform for international cooperation, particularly for countries in the Global South. Malaysia, a significant player in Southeast Asia, has a robust economy and strategic geopolitical location, making it an attractive candidate for BRICS membership.
Malaysia’s potential inclusion in BRICS could bring mutual benefits. For Malaysia, joining the bloc would open new avenues for economic collaboration, trade, and investment with some of the world’s largest emerging economies. It would also align Malaysia with BRICS’ agenda of promoting inclusive development and reforming global governance structures to better represent the interests of developing nations.
From China’s perspective, supporting Malaysia’s entry into BRICS reflects its broader strategy of expanding the bloc’s influence and fostering stronger ties with nations that share similar developmental goals and challenges. China’s endorsement also signals its commitment to building a more diverse and representative BRICS coalition that can address global issues more effectively.
However, the process of joining BRICS requires consensus among current members and alignment with the alliance’s core principles. Malaysia’s application, if formalised, would need to undergo thorough consideration and negotiation.
If Malaysia successfully joins BRICS, it would mark a significant shift in the region’s geopolitical landscape, further solidifying BRICS’ role as a key player in shaping the future of global economic and political dynamics.
