Developing Story
Philippines' Marcos Jr. BRICS Summit Engagement
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr will become the first Philippine leader to attend a BRICS Summit, seen by analysts as a low-risk diversification move for Manila even as it maintains close security ties with the US amid South China Sea tensions with China.
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## Overview
President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr is set to be the first Philippine leader to join the BRICS Summit, being held in New Delhi, presenting what analysts describe as a "low-risk opportunity" for Manila to engage the grouping while diversifying its international partnerships (SCMP, September 11, 2026).
## Details
Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs spokeswoman Analyn Ratonel said in a press briefing that "the president seeks to ensure that our modern partnerships remain open, resilient and capable of delivering prosperity to our people" (SCMP, September 11, 2026).
## Why It Matters
The Philippines has traditionally aligned closely with the US on security matters, especially amid ongoing South China Sea tensions with China. Marcos's BRICS engagement — even as a guest rather than a member — signals a hedging strategy to diversify economic and diplomatic ties without compromising core security alliances, reflecting a broader Southeast Asian trend of multi-alignment amid US-China strategic competition.
## Key Entities
- Ferdinand Marcos Jnr — Philippine President
- BRICS — grouping including China, Russia, India, Brazil, South Africa and other members
- Analyn Ratonel — Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs spokeswoman
- New Delhi — host city of the 2026 BRICS Summit