Putin and Xi Hail ‘Stability’ of China-Russia Partnership on SCO Sidelines
-
Loading... - Dorothea Engel
- 04 Jul 2024
- 45 Views
- 0 Like
- 0 Comment
Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese leader Xi Jinping praised the stability of their nations' "partnership" during the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Astana, Kazakhstan. The SCO, a regional security bloc founded by the duo, serves as a counterpoint to Western influence and has seen strengthened ties since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
During their meeting on the sidelines of the summit, Putin and Xi commended the expanding membership of the SCO, which now includes Central Asian countries, India, Iran, and soon Belarus. They portrayed the China-Russia relationship as a stabilizing force amidst global chaos. Putin stated that the SCO is “strengthening its role as one of the key pillars of a fair multipolar world order” and emphasized that their cooperation is not aimed against any other nation, but rather focused on the interests of their peoples.
In a televised statement prior to a bilateral meeting with Xi, Putin highlighted the historic peak of the “comprehensive partnership and strategic cooperation” between Moscow and Beijing. Xi, referring to the “turbulent international situation and external environment,” stressed the importance of continuing their long-term friendship and planning for future bilateral relations. He called Putin an “old friend” and reiterated the deepening strategic cooperation.
The meeting, the second between the leaders in two months, comes as both nations face increasing pressure from the West regarding their regional policies. During their previous meeting in Beijing, the leaders pledged to deepen ties while subtly criticizing international bodies like the United Nations, the G20, and NATO. Over the years, Putin and Xi have met approximately 40 times, including the signing of a “no limits” strategic partnership just days before Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022.
At the summit, Putin also held talks with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Turkey, a NATO member with close trade and financial ties to Moscow, has positioned itself as a potential mediator in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. The Turkish presidency reported that Erdogan offered to lay the groundwork for a consensus to end the ongoing war, beginning with a ceasefire followed by peace. “A fair peace that can satisfy both sides is possible,” Erdogan's office stated.
This ongoing cooperation and dialogue underscore the significant geopolitical dynamics as China and Russia seek to bolster their influence amidst a shifting global landscape.
