The Chinese government has expressed support for Malaysia’s increased participation in Brics, echoing remarks by Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva during his official visit to Kuala Lumpur, where he stated his wish for the country to become a full member.
Responding to BdF, China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said that Brics “welcomes Malaysia and other countries interested in cooperation.” At present, the Southeast Asian nation holds partner status, allowing engagement but without voting rights.
During a press conference following Brazil’s participation in the 47th Asean Summit, Lula said that Malaysia “will have Brazil’s support to become a full Brics member.”
Answering a question from a journalist at Bernama, Malaysia’s National News Agency, the Brazilian president praised the warmth of the Malaysian people and described Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim as “wonderful” during his remarks in the Malaysian capital.
Guo Jiakun described Brics as “an important platform for cooperation among emerging markets and developing countries,” highlighting the bloc’s role in advancing multipolarity and the democratization of international relations.
“Brics values the active willingness of Global South partners to join Brics cooperation and welcomes Malaysia and more partners with shared goals,” the spokesperson said.
Malaysia has been part of Brics as a partner country since January 1, 2025, alongside Belarus, Bolivia, Kazakhstan, Cuba, Thailand, Uganda and Uzbekistan. Nigeria confirmed its partner status on January 17. The partner category was created at the Kazan Summit in Russia in October 2024, allowing participation in summits and foreign ministers’ meetings, but without voting power.
Full membership would raise Malaysia’s status within the mechanism. Brics currently has 11 full members: Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (founding members), plus Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran and the United Arab Emirates (who officially joined on January 1, 2024), and Indonesia, whose entry was announced by Brazil’s presidency on January 6, 2025.
During the Kuala Lumpur visit, Lula emphasized cultural affinities between Brazil and Malaysia. “Everywhere I go, it feels like I already know everyone. There is always someone smiling, someone kind… it reminds me of the Brazilian people,” he said, calling his impression of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim “wonderful.”
Brics represents approximately 41.4% of global GDP (PPP), according to IMF data from October 2024. With the inclusion of Indonesia and the expansion to partner countries, the mechanism significantly increased its reach across the Global South. Malaysia’s potential transition from partner to full member would further strengthen the bloc’s presence in Southeast Asia, a region of growing importance in global trade and geopolitical dynamics.
