BRICS, RICKS, DICKS
“Russia Pushes for BRICS Clearing, Depository System to Sidestep the West”
BUT
“Most BRICS countries have great economic ties with the Western world,” he said. They won’t want to separate from it.”
China thinks Trump will win
“A potential Donald Trump victory and economic troubles at home have prompted China to embark on a charm offensive, particularly with US allies and partners.
From proclaiming a desired “fresh start” with Japan to a detente with India, Chinese officials have sought to dial down diplomatic friction days ahead of the US presidential election. Beijing has also signaled its intent to improve ties with the UK and Australia, a seeming departure from the kind of combative diplomacy it became famous for during Trump’s first term.
The diplomatic overtures underscore changing political calculations by Beijing — and its counterparts — in anticipation of a possible return of an unpredictable US president. They may help China buffer against economic turbulence from a man who has vowed to impose tariffs at levels that would decimate commerce between the top powers and levied trade threats even at his country’s allies.”