China’s Strategic Positioning between BRICS and the G7: A Comparative Analysis of Multilateral Institutions

This article analyzes China’s strategic positioning vis-à-vis BRICS and the G7. Contrary to the binary framing of the question of “choosing between camps,” the author proceeds from the premise that China is a member of BRICS and not a member of the G7. Therefore, the issue is not one of choosing membership, but of managing participation in these institutions. A comparative institutional analysis across three parameters demonstrates that Beijing is pursuing a two-track strategy: deepening cooperation within BRICS and selective engagement with the G7 on functional issues (climate, healthcare, debt). The theoretical novelty lies in the concept of a normative arbitrage strategy. The empirical basis is comprised of documents from the 2023–2025 summits, IMF data, and case studies. The key conclusion: China avoids harsh confrontation with the West, but its hybrid model carries the risk of eroding trust on both sides.