Why Is BRICS Appealing To Southeast Asian Nations? Japan Must Keep Close to Its Neutral Neighbors

October 16, 2024

TOKYO – Are Thailand and Malaysia gravitating toward China and Russia? The two Southeast Asian nations are showing interest in joining the BRICS group of emerging economies, in which China and Russia exert their influence. As members of the so-called Global South, Thailand and Malaysia have maintained a neutral stance, balancing between the West on one hand and China and Russia on the other, even amid a chaotic international situation.

Thailand applied to join BRICS in June. In July, Malaysia also announced its intention to officially submit an application to BRICS. The BRICS group is scheduled to hold a summit in Russia this month and is expected to invite more countries that are interested in joining. It is believed that Thailand and Malaysia have already received a positive response from the existing BRICS members. Therefore, their membership is likely to be approved at the meeting.

What is their purpose in joining BRICS? There is no doubt that both countries are keen to further strengthen their economic ties with the BRICS members. The five main BRICS countries — Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa — account for 40% of the world’s population and roughly 25% of the world’s total GDP. Malaysia, with its thriving semiconductor industry, may wish to further enhance its national interests by collaborating with Chinese companies. Thailand, too, must be seeking to reverse the decline of its automotive industry through cooperation with the BRICS countries.

The two countries’ moves to apply for membership show that they put top priority on their own national interests. It can be seen as an action based on the idea of “strategic autonomy” that is valued by nations of the Global South.

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