Beijing - China's President Xi Jinping is slated to partake in the forthcoming BRICS leaders' session and embark on a visit to South Africa from August 21 to 24, as announced by the Chinese foreign ministry on Friday.

Leaders representing the five BRICS nations, namely Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, are set to convene in Johannesburg during the upcoming week, commencing on August 22. The primary focus of their discussions will revolve around transforming this loose association of countries, collectively accounting for a quarter of the global economy, into a formidable geopolitical entity capable of challenging the prevailing Western influence in global affairs.

In lieu of attending in person, Russian President Vladimir Putin, who is confronting an international arrest warrant related to alleged war crimes in Ukraine, will participate via a video call.

The agenda is expected to encompass expansion considerations, as roughly 40 nations have displayed interest in becoming part of the BRICS network, whether through formal or informal means, according to South Africa. This list includes countries like Saudi Arabia, Argentina, and Egypt.

China, in its endeavor to broaden its geopolitical sway amid its rivalry with the United States, has expressed openness to the prospect of additional like-minded partners joining the BRICS coalition at an early juncture. Russia also advocates for expansion, while Brazil exhibits reservations due to concerns that further enlargement could potentially dilute the group's existing standing. India remains undecided on this matter.

Beyond his participation in the BRICS summit, Xi Jinping will also jointly preside over the China-Africa Leaders' Dialogue alongside South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, as confirmed by the Chinese foreign ministry.