BRICS Summit: Russia and China to strengthen trade relations, BRICS to expand

Refilwe Moloto spoke to history expert and emeritus professor at UKZN, Irina Filatova, on Russia’s relations with China and what to expect from the BRICS meeting on Thursday.

A range of strategically-important topics such as trade, security, terrorism and agriculture will be under discussion at the 14th BRICS Leaders' Summit, starting on Thursday, with some of the focus being on the relations between China and Russia - which are developing rapidly.

That's according to African and Russian history expert, Irina Filatova, who is also emeritus professor of the University of KwaZulu Natal (UKZN).

The virtual summit will be hosted by Chinese leader, Xi Jinping, under the theme of ushering in a “New Era for Global Development”.

Speaking to Refilwe Moloto, Filatova explained that Russia superseded Saudi Arabia as China’s biggest supplier of crude oil, and this is a possible reason why Russia and China are planning to develop their trade relations.

They are planning to develop their trade relations... it has been developing at an enormous pace particularly since 2014, when first sanctions were introduced against Russia (Western sanctions).

Irina Filatova - history expert and emeritus professor at UKZN

It seems that both countries want to create an alternative global ideology - one that goes against a western agenda.

So, this time it is seen that China and Russia will be pushing the anti-western creation of an alternative global agenda. Alternative to the liberal democratic agenda which they perceive as being pursued by the United States.

Irina Filatova, history expert and emeritus professor at UKZN

India, on the other hand, would like BRICS to remain neutral and wants to resist any anti-US messaging.

Filatova also added that the expansion of BRICS is being considered. While the prospective countries to be invited remain unknown the criteria should indicate an anti-American agenda, she explained.

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