BRICS: The significance in the international arena and Australia's attitude towards "the bloc of five"

Leaders of the BRICS nations have converged in Johannesburg for a summit aimed at expanding the bloc's membership and solidifying its role as a counterweight to Western influence. SBS Russian talked to Philipp Ivanov, Vice President of the Asia Society, about the significance of the summit and the possible implications for Australia.

Leaders of the BRICS nations in a photo released by the Russian Foreign Ministry Press office (AAP) Credit: AP

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