Decoding China's Push For A Multipolar World Post-BRICS Expansion

In the past month since his unexpected reappointment as China's foreign minister, Wang Yi has emerged as a prominent figure in President Xi Jinping's strategy to establish an alternative diplomatic sphere to that of the United States, fostering a multipolar global order.

This vision was prominently showcased during the recent summit of BRICS nations—Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa—in Johannesburg. President Xi emphasised the need for international rules to be collaboratively formulated and upheld by all nations rather than being dictated by those with the greatest power.

At the core of these aspirations is Wang Yi, who already holds China's highest diplomatic office and was reinstated as foreign minister on 25 July, succeeding Qin Gang following a prolonged and unexplained absence. Wang had previously served in this role for nearly a decade, in addition to his assignments as ambassador to Japan and as head of the Taiwan Affairs Office.

Since his return, Wang's diplomatic engagements have taken him to South Africa, Turkey, Singapore, Malaysia, and Cambodia, according to the Foreign Ministry's official website. He has engaged with over 20 foreign dignitaries through meetings and calls.

These actions illustrate China's strategy of nurturing cooperative ties with friendly nations through economic partnerships and infrastructure projects, while simultaneously containing the expansion of US influence.

In discussions with Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, Wang criticised the US as a significant destabilizing force globally, particularly highlighting its perceived involvement with Taiwan. During talks with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Wang received support for curtailing NATO's activities in the Asia-Pacific from a fellow member, reflecting China's influence.

The upcoming months will be crucial for Wang, with a busy diplomatic calendar ahead. China aims to stabilize its relationship with the U.S. to prevent further detrimental impacts on trade and investments. As an upcoming summit between China and the US looms in the fall, Wang confronts the intricate challenge of managing bilateral relations while also asserting China's interests.

China's connections with Japan and South Korea also rank high on the agenda. The trilateral defense cooperation agreement formalized among Washington, Tokyo, and Seoul could pose a challenge to Beijing's objectives.

China has expressed interest in restarting three-way summits with these nations to potentially weaken their ties with the US, a series that has been on hiatus since late 2019. Strengthening economic ties with Japan and South Korea will also contribute to China's economic revitalization efforts.

Juggling his responsibilities as foreign minister, a Politburo member, and the head of the Communist Party's foreign affairs commission poses a demanding task for the 69-year-old Wang.

Speculation about his ability to handle these roles, given the unofficial retirement age for party officials, has led to conjecture about a future successor taking over the foreign minister position.

The removal of Qin Gang from his role remains shrouded in mystery. The Chinese government has not provided any official explanation for his departure or details about his current status.

Rumours range from leaked military information to personal matters as potential causes. Despite his absence from key events, Qin's name is still listed as a state councilor and member of the National People's Congress.

There are indications that Qin's situation could be discussed during the upcoming meeting of the National People's Congress Standing Committee, where personnel matters are on the agenda.

Given President Xi's involvement in his selection, the government appears cautious about divulging information about Qin's circumstances, according to sources familiar with Japan-China diplomacy.