During a summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) in Astana, Kazakhstan, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese leader Xi Jinping highlighted their countries’ partnership within the regional security bloc as a counterpoint to Western influence. They praised the expanding membership of the SCO, which includes Central Asian countries, India, Iran, and Belarus. Both leaders emphasized the stabilizing role of the China-Russia relationship amidst global turmoil.
Putin affirmed that the SCO is a key pillar of a multipolar world order and emphasized that cooperation within the organization is not targeted against any specific countries. Xi referred to the turbulent international environment and stressed the need for continued friendship between Russia and China for future generations.
This meeting between Putin and Xi marked their second encounter in two months, as they navigate pressure from Western countries over their regional policies. At their previous meeting in Beijing, they pledged to strengthen ties and took veiled swipes at international organizations like the UN, G20, and NATO.
During the summit, Putin also met with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who proposed mediating peace between Russia and Ukraine. Belarus, a close ally of Russia, was set to formally join the SCO. Despite differences among member countries, the organization serves as a platform for non-Western nations to come together.
The SCO has historical significance for Russia and China as they compete for influence in Central Asia. While the region has been traditionally under Russian influence, China’s Belt and Road initiative has made inroads there. The organization’s value lies in the optics of solidarity among non-Western countries, even as their interests diverge.
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