Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping used a gathering of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) to underscore the growing closeness between their two countries. The SCO is a Eurasian political, economic, and security bloc founded in 2001 that now includes China, Russia, India, Pakistan, and several Central Asian nations—making it one of the largest regional groupings in the world by population.
The summit comes at a moment when both leaders face significant pressure from the West: Russia remains under heavy sanctions over its war in Ukraine, while China is locked in an escalating trade and technology rivalry with the United States. Analysts see the SCO platform as a venue where Moscow and Beijing can publicly project unity and offer an alternative to Western-led international institutions.
For years, Putin and Xi have described their relationship as a partnership “without limits,” and their meetings are closely watched for signs of coordinated positions on global security, trade, and energy issues. This latest encounter reinforces the pattern of the two powers presenting a united front, even as the practical details of their cooperation often remain behind closed doors.
To get the full picture of what was discussed and any agreements reached at the summit, read the original report at jornada.com.mx.
Image: Minister-president, BY 2.0 (via Openverse).