During a recent summit of Eurasian leaders, Chinese President Xi Jinping and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin issued veiled critiques aimed at the Western hemisphere. This high-profile event showcased Beijing’s efforts to take a pivotal role in regional diplomatic ties.
The participating nations of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) include Russia, China, India, Pakistan, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Belarus. The organization is recognized for advocating a collaborative style distinct from the conventional Western approach, offering a unique platform for alliance building.
In his message to other SCO dignitaries – such as Alexander Lukashenko, the Belarusian President, and Narendra Modi, the Prime Minister of India – Xi offered his perspective on the increasingly ‘entwined and chaotic’ global geopolitical scenario.
Xi didn’t shy away from criticizing unspecified countries for their ‘bullying behaviour’, a comment presumed by many to be directed at the United States. The Chinese leader further stressed the increasing challenges faced by SCO nations in their quest for security and development.
In his speech given in the northern Chinese city of Tianjin, Xi underscored the importance of continuous adherence to the principles of SCO despite the volatile global changes. The organization, according to him, holds a significant role in guiding its member nations amidst these tumultuous times.
Putin, on the other hand, utilized his time at the podium to express his views on the ongoing Ukraine conflict, attributing its root to the West’s actions. He robustly defended Russia’s role, asserting that the conflict was not due to a Russian offensive, but a result of a Western-fueled coup in Ukraine.
The Russian president further implicated constant Western attempts to incorporate Ukraine into NATO as the secondary cause of the crisis. The conflict has led to substantial damage in Eastern Ukraine, with fatalities amounting to tens of thousands over more than three years.
The SCO summit also included an additional 16 countries as observer participants and ‘dialogue partners’. This convention got underway a few days prior to a monumental military parade scheduled in Beijing marking eight decades since World War II concluded.
Upon his arrival in Tianjin, Putin was accompanied by a delegation of influential politicians and business leaders. While in China, Xi attended sequential bilateral discussions with several key international counterparts, including Modi and Lukashenko.
Modi, on his premier China tour since 2018, emphasized India’s dedication to advancing bilateral relations based on mutual trust, respect, and sensitivity. However, beneath this diplomatic veneer, the two largest populated nations remain fierce competitors, particularly in their contest for influence throughout South Asia.
Despite their rivalry, a significant breakthrough came about in October last year with an unprecedented meeting between Modi and Xi at a summit in Russia. Their relationship further solidified in response to common economic pressure from US President Donald Trump’s trade tariffs.
The SCO has occasionally been proposed by China and Russia as an alternative structure to Western-led associations like NATO. This year’s convening of SCO is especially notable as it marks the first such gathering after Trump’s return to the presidency.
Beyond the permanent member states, more than 20 international statesmen – including Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and his Turkish counterpart, Recep Tayyip Erdogan – are partaking in the largest assemblage since the inception of SCO in 2001.
Significant meetings are also anticipated within the summit proceedings, with Putin expected to engage Erdogan and Pezeshkian in discussions revolving around the Ukraine crisis and Iran’s nuclear ambitions, respectively.
The grand events aren’t confined to meetings and speeches, as many esteemed guests will be present in the capital city of Beijing to witness the upcoming military parade.
Among the prominent attendees, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un will also be observing this grand display of military might, signaling a significant highlight in this event-filled summit.
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