The dollar, the cornerstone of the global financial system, once again finds itself at the heart of a geopolitical controversy. Donald Trump accuses the BRICS of wanting to undermine its supremacy. In response, the Kremlin firmly denies any intention of destabilization, stating that the alliance does not target any foreign currency. Behind this tense exchange, one question remains: are the BRICS quietly working to reshape the global monetary order, or is this an alarmist reading of the ambitions of this emerging bloc?
While BRICS Pay quietly advances to bypass the dollar and challenge SWIFT , the Kremlin reacted firmly on October 15 to Donald Trump’s accusations, who had called the BRICS a “threat to the dollar” and mentioned the possibility of imposing economic sanctions on their members.
The response from Dmitry Peskov, spokesperson for the Kremlin, was direct and unequivocal :
This statement aimed to ease tensions and redefine the intentions of the BRICS group in a context where relations with the United States remain tense. The Kremlin emphasizes the collective dimension of the group, which, according to it, is not motivated by monetary rivalries or large-scale geopolitical ambitions, but by a desire for regional and international economic cooperation.
Despite Russian denials, there are internal dynamics in the group that go beyond political statements. While Russia emphasizes unity and cooperation, China, as the economic leader of this bloc, pursues a strategy of monetary diversification.
The Chinese government is actively working to promote the use of the yuan in international trade, notably through bilateral agreements and initiatives such as the “currency swap agreements between central banks”. This indicates a desire to reduce dependence on the dollar in certain regions of the world, without directly aiming for immediate substitution.
This approach, although it does not directly challenge the dollar’s dominance, reflects a growing interest of the BRICS, especially China, in the internationalization of the yuan. China’s recent project to create a yuan free trade zone in Asia and Africa could be seen as a sign of a gradual evolution of the international financial system.
However, obstacles remain numerous : the volatility of the yuan, the reluctance of some countries to adopt a currency controlled by China, and the clear resistance of the United States to losing their leadership position in global trade.
Although the Kremlin strives to calm spirits by rejecting Trump’s accusations, it is undeniable that the BRICS, notably China, are developing monetary strategies that could in the long term alter the global financial architecture. Future developments will depend on these countries’ ability to overcome economic and political challenges while maintaining their cooperation within the group. The stakes are colossal, and the dollar’s dominance could eventually be questioned.