China urges bigger, stronger BRICS to rival G7

"An expanded BRICS will represent a diverse group of nations which share a common desire to have a more balanced world order," Mr Ramaphosa said in a televised address to the nation on Sunday. Western capitals are likely to regard the possible additions of Iran, Belarus and Venezuela as a move to embrace allies of Russia and China. Argentina, Saudi Arabia and Indonesia are vying to be the first new members since South Africa was invited into the original group of Brazil, Russia, India and China in 2010. President Vladimir Putin will not join other BRICS leaders in Johannesburg. This…