Venezuela Applies to Join BRICS... Monitoring Expansion of China and Russia's Influence

Venezuela has officially applied to join BRICS, which includes Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa as member countries.

President Nicolas Maduro of Venezuela
[Photo by AFP Yonhap News]

On the 1st (local time), Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro stated on the promotional broadcast "With Maduro Plus," "We have expressed our intention to join the BRICS group," adding, "We hope the BRICS authorities, aiming for a global integration bloc, will carefully consider our request."

The Venezuelan government has previously indicated its intention to join BRICS through various means, but this is the first time President Maduro has directly mentioned the BRICS membership application through mass media.

He described BRICS as a "dynamic force" to realize the emergence of a new multipolar world. By expanding its scope, BRICS should promote a balance of power within the international community through "BRICS Plus(+)," he explained.

President Maduro said, "Considering geopolitical conditions, BRICS leadership is very important," and added, "We expect a positive outcome from BRICS soon so that Venezuela can join." He also expressed confidence, saying, "We can support and assist BRICS."

President Maduro, who has been isolated from the international community for years due to strong U.S. sanctions, appears to have been encouraged to strongly express his intention to join BRICS thanks to the support of Brazilian President Lula da Silva.

President Lula highlighted Maduro’s presence to put him in the spotlight during the bilateral summit held in Brasilia in May, and also created an atmosphere supporting Maduro’s return to the international stage at the South American summit of 12 countries.

It is known that President Maduro conveyed his hope to join BRICS to President Lula at that time as well. President Lula expressed his support for the proposal, stating, "I agree with that proposal."

If Venezuela is added to the list of BRICS member countries, it is expected to further strengthen the influence of countries like China and Russia, which aim to reshape the international order and expand their influence.

BRICS will hold its 15th summit from the 22nd to the 24th in Johannesburg, South Africa. At this meeting, issues such as the addition of new member countries and the expansion of BRICS’ scope are expected to be major agenda items.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.