Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping praised the Eurasian security club, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), at a summit in Kazakhstan. The organization, established in 2001 with Russia, China, and Central Asian nations, has been expanded to include India, Iran, and Pakistan as a counterbalance to Western influence. Putin and Xi emphasized that their cooperation is not directed against any specific countries but is aimed at promoting the interests of their peoples.
In his opening speech, Xi highlighted the importance of upholding the longstanding friendship between China and Russia in the face of changing international dynamics. The two leaders discussed the progress made in further developing their bilateral relations. Putin also engaged in bilateral meetings with other leaders on the sidelines of the summit.
China and Russia have deepened their partnership, viewing the post-Cold War era as coming to an end. Both leaders perceive the U.S. as a major competitor and a threat, with President Joe Biden framing the future as a contest between democracies and autocracies.
The SCO focuses on addressing external security threats like drug trafficking and domestic instability. The organization has previously criticized the expansion of global missile defense systems by certain countries without directly mentioning NATO expansion or Western military assistance to Ukraine. Additionally, China and Kazakhstan launched a new cargo route to Europe, promoting economic cooperation between the regions.
Belarus attended the SCO summit as a full member for the first time, and United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also participated in the gathering. The meeting reinforced the importance of multilateral cooperation and mutual understanding in the evolving global landscape.
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