Xi Jinping skips BRICS Summit for the first time amid speculation of political turbulence in China and divisions between member nations over trade and strategic interests

Chinese President Xi Jinping, seen widely as a leader for life, is reportedly beginning to delegate authority to key institutions of the ruling Communist Party, raising speculation about a possible transition of power or retirement planning after over a decade at the helm.

The 17th Brics summit has begun in Brazil’s Rio de Janeiro and leaders, including Prime Minister Modi and South Africa’s Cyril Ramaphosa are in attendance. However, for the first time since taking power in 2012,

The 17th BRICS Summit kicked off on Sunday in Brazil's Rio de Janeiro, bringing together leaders from major emerging economies--but without the attendance of one of the top leaders of one of its most powerful members.

The Chinese President Xi Jinping will not attend the 17th BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and will be represented by the Prime Minister Li Qiang instead.

In his visit to this new landmark in China's financial center late April, Chinese President Xi Jinping told the bank's president and former Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff this multilateral institution has been a result of "a pioneering initiative for the Global South to seek strength through unity."

In China, the world is witnessing the possible return of a far more technocratic elite that favors scaling back direct confrontation with the West.