China Sets the Stage for Expanded BRICS Summit:On July 2, 2025, China’s Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning held a comprehensive press conference covering a wide range of significant geopolitical developments and diplomatic updates. The briefing outlined Premier Li Qiang’s upcoming visit to Brazil to attend the 17th BRICS Summit, which will be the first since the bloc’s expansion to include Indonesia and ten partner countries. Mao emphasized China’s strong support for BRICS as a platform to enhance solidarity among emerging economies and promote an equal, multipolar world.
China Sets the Stage for Expanded BRICS Summit, Slams US Espionage Allegations, Defends Global Rise of Chinese Brands
On July 2, 2025, the Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning held a regular press conference where she detailed upcoming diplomatic engagements of Chinese leaders, addressed pressing international issues, and offered China’s stance on a range of geopolitical developments.
Mao Ning began by announcing that Premier of the State Council Li Qiang will attend the 17th BRICS Summit to be held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, from July 5 to 8. China sees BRICS as the most important cooperation platform among emerging markets and developing countries.
This summit is particularly significant as it is the first since the expansion that added Indonesia and ten new partner countries. The summit has also invited multiple emerging economies and regional and international organizations. China hopes to use the opportunity to work with all parties to consolidate the BRICS strategic partnership, contribute to safeguarding multilateralism, enhance global governance, promote common development, and advance high-quality BRICS cooperation.
Mao also confirmed that after Brazil, Premier Li Qiang will pay an official visit to Egypt from July 9 to 10 at the invitation of Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Kamal Madbouly. Egypt was the first Arab and African country to establish diplomatic relations with New China, and the two countries are currently comprehensive strategic partners.
Under the leadership of President Xi Jinping and President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, China-Egypt relations have flourished in recent years with deepened political trust, strong cooperation in various sectors, and close coordination in multilateral forums.
During his visit, Premier Li will hold in-depth discussions with Egyptian leaders to explore ways to further strengthen bilateral cooperation, build a stronger China-Egypt partnership, and help advance the broader China-Arab community vision for a shared future.
When asked about reports that China had invited South Korean President Lee Jae-myung to attend commemorative events marking the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, Mao Ning responded that China is in communication with various sides. These grand events reflect the historical importance of global anti-fascist efforts and will involve participation from multiple foreign leaders.
Addressing questions about the recent signing of a National Security Presidential Memorandum by US President Donald Trump, which seeks to restore the hardline Cuba policy from his first term, Mao Ning criticized the move. She noted that for over 60 years, the United States’ blockade and sanctions have gravely harmed the Cuban people’s right to development and violated international norms.
China firmly supports Cuba in choosing its own development path suited to its national conditions and opposes the misuse of “freedom” and “democracy” narratives to justify unilateral sanctions. Mao urged the US to lift the blockade, cancel sanctions, and remove Cuba from the list of “state sponsors of terrorism,” which is also a demand of the broader international community.
Responding to a US Justice Department announcement that two Chinese nationals had been arrested for espionage and for allegedly trying to recruit members of the US Navy for intelligence activities, Mao said she was unaware of the specifics of the case. However, she firmly rejected the “China spy” narrative and stated that China will take necessary actions to protect the lawful rights and interests of its citizens abroad.
When asked about Israel’s Consul General in Shanghai urging China to use its influence to rein in Iran’s military and nuclear ambitions, Mao Ning stated that the origins of the current Middle East tensions are very clear. China seeks a sustainable and effective ceasefire and hopes to restore peace and stability in the region.
Regarding the Iranian nuclear issue, Mao reiterated that it should be resolved through political and diplomatic means, and all parties should work together to bring the matter back to the path of peaceful settlement.
In response to a question about the global expansion of Chinese beverage brands like Mixue Bingcheng and Chagee, which have recently filed for overseas listings, Mao Ning emphasized the appeal of Chinese brands to global consumers due to their advanced technology, aesthetic design, and emotional resonance.
The transition from “Made in China” to “Chinese brands” is seen as a result of China’s high-quality development, robust industrial system, innovation investments, and open market environment. She added that Chinese brands provide more choices for international consumers and that China also welcomes quality foreign brands to enter its domestic market, enabling mutual growth through globalization.
Regarding Premier Li Qiang’s participation in the upcoming BRICS Summit in Brazil, Mao reaffirmed China’s commitment to BRICS cooperation. China considers BRICS a vital platform for strengthening Global South solidarity, promoting reforms in the global governance system, and defending multilateralism. China will fully support Brazil’s chairmanship to ensure the summit is a success and will strive to uphold the values of openness, inclusiveness, and win-win collaboration.
Lastly, in response to a report by Ukraine’s defense intelligence claiming that Russia has transferred drone technology and production equipment to North Korea, thereby increasing military threats on the Korean Peninsula, Mao Ning said she was not aware of the specific developments.
Nonetheless, she reiterated China’s consistent and clear position on both the Ukraine crisis and Korean Peninsula issues: these matters should be resolved through peaceful and diplomatic dialogue. China is focused on maintaining regional stability and opposes any actions that could destabilize the region, particularly near its own borders.
In conclusion, the July 2 briefing revealed China’s deep engagement on multiple international fronts—through diplomacy, strategic partnerships, and economic outreach. China reaffirmed its stance on supporting multilateralism, advocating peaceful resolutions, and promoting shared global development, while continuing to oppose unilateral actions and narratives that undermine international cooperation.