A video depicting an incident at the ongoing BRICS 2023 summit in Johannesburg has gone viral, in which a member of Chinese President Xi Jinping’s delegation appears to have been barred from accompanying him by South African security officers. The incident occurred as Xi was entering the main summit venue at the Sandton Convention Centre. In the video, Xi can be seen walking with a Chinese official running behind him, trying to catch up. However, as Xi passed through the doors, the South African protocol team forcibly shut them and pushed away Xi’s aide, preventing him from entering the venue or walking alongside the president.
The scuffle caught the attention of President Xi himself, who turned around several times on the red carpet to see what was happening behind him. Chinese authorities have not yet issued any comment on the incident.
The BRICS summit, taking place from August 22 to 24, brings together over 40 foreign leaders, including the presidents of the group’s founding members: Brazil, India, China, South Africa, and Russia. President Putin is participating in the summit via videolink, while Russia is represented in person by Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.
The video has sparked controversy and raised questions about the conduct of the South African security officers. Critics argue that such treatment of a diplomatic envoy is disrespectful and goes against the principles of diplomatic protocol. Some believe that the incident could strain the diplomatic relations between South Africa and China.
In recent years, China has become an influential player in global politics and has strengthened its relations with countries around the world. The incident at the BRICS summit may have unintended consequences for South Africa, as it risks damaging its relationship with one of its key economic partners. China is South Africa’s largest trading partner, and any strain in their diplomatic ties could have negative implications for their economic cooperation.
South Africa and China have been collaborating on various projects, including infrastructure development, trade agreements, and investment opportunities. The two countries have been working closely together to promote economic growth and development in Africa. Any disruption in their relationship could hinder progress in these areas and negatively impact the economies of both nations.
As the video circulates on social media, it has drawn attention not only to the incident itself but also to the broader issues surrounding diplomatic etiquette and respect between nations. Some argue that incidents like these reflect a lack of understanding or disregard for diplomatic protocols.
While the South African government has not released an official statement regarding the incident, it is expected that they will address the matter and take appropriate measures to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of upholding diplomatic decorum and maintaining cordial relations between nations, especially when hosting high-profile events like the BRICS summit.
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