Russia-China Cooperation within the BRICS Framework in Recent Years and Implications for Vietnam

Abstract

In the context of an international order increasingly evolving toward multipolarity and multi-centeredness, the BRICS group has emerged as an important cooperation mechanism reflecting the trend of “de-Westernization.” Within this framework, Russia and China - two countries playing strategic pillar roles - are strengthening their cooperation to promote a more balanced global distribution of power and reduce dependence on the West. Especially after Russia launched the “special military operation” in Ukraine in February 2022, Russia - China cooperation within the BRICS has entered a new phase of deeper and more comprehensive collaboration. This article focuses on analyzing the formation and institutionalization of BRICS, clarifying the core roles of Russia and China within this cooperative structure. At the same time, it assesses Russia–China cooperation within BRICS in the political - security and economic - financial spheres. On that basis, the article examines the impacts of this cooperation on Vietnam and proposes several policy implications to help Vietnam proactively adapt and leverage opportunities arising from the growing prominence of BRICS in the current period.