WHO WOOULD JOIN THE BRICS NOW?  ,
According to the analysts who CNA spoke with, they see some other South Asian countries that might be able to impose their stamps on the ring, such as Myanmar, Cambodia, and Laos.
Myanmar, Cambodia, and Laos are the three Southeast Asian nations that are BRICS finalists. According to Dr. Ian Storey, referring to the NDB, all three nations have close relationships with both Russia and China and get financial help from the BRICS bank.  ,
Myanmar has formally reaffirmed its participation in the BRICS, citing the union as a means of reducing the influence of international sanctions and expanding its economic reliance on China, according to Mr. Jamil.
He warned that it might be difficult for the nation, which has been besieged by a civil conflict since 2021, to join the alliance.
” Myanmar’s domestic political position and strained global position may present challenges to its admission”, said Mr Jamil.
Agreeing, Dr Chong posited that Myanmar is a “very poor prospect” to meet BRICS.  ,
” If they join, it’s because they want some kind of de facto geo-economic or political empire. Because this is the country’s closest point to defending itself against a American action in relation to the country’s ongoing civil war, I use the word “alliance” sparingly.  ,
Should China and Russia join the BRICS, he said,” I would assume that the calculation ( in Myanmar’s capital ) is that the country’s current regime will unwaveringly support it.”  ,
Dr. Chong thinks Laos and Cambodia might ultimately join the BRICS as a result of their support for powerhouse China.  ,
I believe it to be in line with China, their alliance or sponsor. I do n’t believe Laos or Cambodia can serve as true BRICS leaders. Because they primarily enjoy the financial largesse of China, they may begin with observer status.  ,
China has supported them with numerous system projects. Therefore, they do earn China some degree of support”, said Dr Chong.  ,
UNLIKELY FOR SINGAPORE, PHILIPPINES &, BRUNEI TO JOIN
Experts believe there are slim chances of them joining the BRICS among the remaining Southeast Asian nations, including Singapore, Brunei, and the Phillipines.
These nations ‘ economic, foreign, and partnership with American power contribute to this.  ,
Singapore values its position as a global economic hub and adheres to a strict policy of independence in international relations, according to Mr. Jamil, who added that it is “unlikely” to visit a group that would give the impression that it is more in line with China or Russia.  ,
He claimed that joining the BRICS would trample its corporate flexibility and possibly aggravate already-existing relationships.
Note that Singapore had formerly formally imposed financial sanctions against Russia for its invasion of Ukraine.  ,
By joining the BRICS, it is unlikely that the Philippines ‘ powerful economic and security ties with Washington will compromise those relationships.
According to Dr. Chong of RSIS,” Americans view the Philippines as an excellent ally, on the same level as South Korea and Japan, and the US is good to invest some of their high-tech funds with the Philippines.”