BRICS: Beijing Is Wary Of India And Turkey

In the face of an increasingly uncertain geopolitical environment, the Chinese government has recently issued an official warning to its electric vehicle manufacturers, advising them to suspend their investments in India and Turkey. These two emerging markets, although promising for the electric vehicle (EV) industry, are deemed too risky due to diplomatic tensions, political instabilities, and protectionist policies. This decision is part of a broader strategy by Beijing aimed at protecting its technological advancements and prioritizing markets considered more stable, which in a way undermines the common ambitions of the BRICS.

An official warning to Chinese manufacturers

The Chinese government has advised its electric vehicle manufacturers to suspend their investment plans in India and Turkey, two emerging markets that were nevertheless considered promising for these vehicles. In a statement relayed by local media, Beijing justifies this decision due to “unfavorable economic and political conditions” in these two countries. Regarding India, despite its membership in BRICS, the growing diplomatic tensions with China, particularly on border issues, seem to have played a decisive role. As for Turkey, which has expressed its ambition to join the organization, Beijing points to an “uncertain regulatory environment,” making long-term investment profitability difficult.

This recommendation comes as Chinese manufacturers had shown strong interest in these markets as part of their international expansion strategy. Indeed, India, with a young population and increasing demand for sustainable mobility solutions, was seen as fertile ground for EV development. As for Turkey, its strategic geographical position and its role as a bridge between Europe and Asia made it a good option. However, geopolitical tensions and internal instabilities were enough to cool these ambitions.

The consequences for the Chinese industry and the alternatives to consider

This new orientation of the Chinese authorities could seriously affect the growth prospects of some major manufacturers like BYD or Nio, who were counting on these markets to diversify their overseas operations. Other companies, like Geely, had also started exploring these two economies for local partnerships or production plant installations. Now, Chinese manufacturers will have to focus their efforts on other less risky regions, such as Southeast Asia or Africa.

By prioritizing markets perceived as more stable, China, however, leaves the field open to other competitors, notably European and American, who could establish themselves in these two interesting countries in more than one way. Which does not necessarily benefit the BRICS.

By favoring less risky regions, such as Southeast Asia or Africa, China intends to preserve its short-term interests, to the detriment of more strategic relations within the BRICS. Nevertheless, this reorientation highlights the complex challenges faced by the members of the organization, where national interests can sometimes diverge from common goals.