On March 10, U.S. Ambassador to South Africa, Bozler, stated during a public event that former President Trump had privately asked South Africa to leave the BRICS group. If South Africa refused, the U.S. might terminate the preferential provisions of the African Growth and Opportunity Act, or even freeze related assets.

This statement later sparked controversy, and the ambassador had to apologize to the South African government.

In recent years, the U.S. has taken a tough stance toward South Africa. For example, the U.S. once refused to attend a G20 meeting hosted by South Africa, and repeatedly criticized the South African government in international public opinion.

Analysts believe that the U.S. is pressuring South Africa because South Africa plays an important role in the BRICS mechanism, and the organization is gradually expanding its influence.

The Trump administration had also repeatedly warned the BRICS countries. If the group attempted to weaken the dollar's position in the international financial system, the U.S. might take countermeasures such as tariffs.

At the same time, the U.S. has also taken actions on the military front. On March 11, the U.S. sent a P-8A Poseidon patrol aircraft to fly over the Taiwan Strait. This action was seen as a pressure signal before the visit to China.

The U.S. hopes to link the Taiwan issue with other topics in this way, in order to gain an advantage in future negotiations.

However, this strategy faces many challenges. Although South Africa relies on trade with the U.S., as one of the founding members of the BRICS group, its foreign policy has strong independence and is unlikely to easily exit the mechanism.

Regarding the Taiwan issue, China has repeatedly emphasized that it is a core issue involving national sovereignty and territorial integrity, and any external military intervention will not change this position.

As the international landscape gradually moves toward multipolarity, the U.S. faces new challenges in maintaining its traditional influence.

Original: toutiao.com/article/1859626975714315/

Statement: The article represents the personal views of the author.