Chinese leader Xi Jinping is likely to attend September’s BRICS summit in New Delhi, Reuters reported, marking his first visit to India in seven years amid thawing ties between the Asian giants.
About 400 officials are expected to accompany Xi to the gathering, where the two countries will attempt a “delicate diplomatic balancing act:” stabilizing relations strained by a longstanding border dispute without appearing to capitulate before their constituents, the China Global South Project wrote.
Reports of a recent border skirmish have complicated diplomatic efforts; India’s top security official arrived in Beijing Monday for talks. The regional competitors have converged on one issue, however: US trade policies have pushed both to ensure external pressure doesn’t undermine BRICS.