Putin and Xi Praise Strengthened Russia-China Alliance at SCO Summit

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese leader Xi Jinping celebrated their nations' “partnership” during the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit, a regional security group established as a counter-balance to Western influence.

During the summit in Astana, Kazakhstan on Wednesday, both leaders praised the expanding membership of the SCO, which now includes Central Asian countries, India, Iran, and soon-to-be member Belarus. They portrayed the China-Russia relationship as a stabilizing force amid global instability.

Putin emphasized that the SCO is “strengthening its role as one of the key pillars of a fair multipolar world order.” He clarified that their “cooperation is not aimed against anyone; we are not creating any blocs or alliances, we are just acting in the interests of our peoples.”

In a televised speech ahead of a bilateral meeting with Xi, Putin highlighted the strong ties between Moscow and Beijing, describing their relationship as a “comprehensive partnership and strategic cooperation experiencing their best period in history.”

Xi, referencing the “turbulent international situation and external environment,” stated that Russia and China “should continue to uphold the original aspiration of friendship for generations to come.” He called Putin an “old friend” and noted that the countries had made “plans and arrangements for the next development of bilateral relations.”

This meeting, their second in two months, comes as both nations face increased pressure from the West over their regional policies. In their previous meeting in Beijing, the leaders pledged to deepen ties while subtly criticizing international organizations such as the United Nations, the G20, and the North Atlantic Trade Organization (NATO).

In total, Putin and Xi have met around 40 times, including signing a “no limits” strategic partnership just days before Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022.