Beijing, September 28, 2025 – China has expressed openness to Palestine’s bid for full membership in the BRICS grouping, highlighting the bloc’s role as a vital platform for the Global South and reaffirming its support for the Palestinian people’s legitimate rights.

The remarks came after Palestinian Ambassador to Russia Abd al-Hafeez Nofal revealed in an interview with RIA Novosti that Palestine had formally applied for BRICS membership but has yet to receive a response from the grouping. The disclosure reignited debate over BRICS’ ongoing expansion and the role it could play in reshaping global governance to better reflect the aspirations of developing countries.

Responding to questions at a regular press briefing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun emphasized that BRICS has become an increasingly influential mechanism in promoting multipolarity, fairness, and cooperation in international relations.

“BRICS is an important platform for cooperation among emerging markets and developing countries and serves as a strong impetus for multipolarity and greater democracy in international relations,” Guo stated. “The platform is widely recognized and supported by Global South countries. China welcomes more like-minded partners to join BRICS cooperation and work together for a more just and equitable international order.”

Guo, however, stressed that any expansion of BRICS must be based on consensus among its member states. “Regarding Palestine’s application, we believe that the expansion of BRICS should follow the principles of consensus and consultation among member states,” he noted.

China’s Support for Palestine

China has long voiced consistent support for the Palestinian people’s right to statehood and sovereignty. At the United Nations and other multilateral forums, Beijing has backed efforts to establish an independent Palestinian state based on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital.

“China has always firmly supported the just cause of the Palestinian people in restoring their legitimate national rights, and we stand ready to maintain communication with relevant parties within BRICS on this matter,” Guo affirmed.

Analysts say that China’s statement signals diplomatic openness while carefully balancing the sensitivities of other BRICS members, especially given the grouping’s diverse geopolitical alignments.

BRICS Expansion and Palestine’s Bid

The BRICS bloc, originally composed of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, has undergone expansion to include several new members in recent years. The enlargement is part of the bloc’s efforts to amplify the voice of developing nations in global decision-making.

Palestine’s application, if considered, would represent a significant political gesture, highlighting BRICS’ positioning as a counterbalance to Western-led institutions such as the G7. However, membership approval would require unanimous agreement among existing members, some of whom maintain close ties with Israel and the United States.

For Palestine, joining BRICS would provide an important diplomatic platform to press its case for statehood and international recognition, especially at a time when peace talks remain stalled and violence has escalated in the occupied territories.

Global South Momentum

The discussion over Palestine’s possible entry also underscores BRICS’ growing appeal among Global South nations. Over the past year, countries in Africa, the Middle East, Asia, and Latin America have increasingly looked to BRICS as a forum for economic cooperation, alternative financial systems, and greater representation in world governance.

By keeping the door open to Palestine, China seeks to reinforce BRICS’ image as an inclusive and representative platform for emerging economies and developing nations, while carefully adhering to the principle of collective decision-making.

As Palestine awaits an official response to its application, the debate highlights both the opportunities and challenges of BRICS enlargement. For China, the message is clear: while expansion must proceed cautiously, the bloc remains open to welcoming partners who share its vision of a fairer and more multipolar global order.