Putin, Xi hold talks in Kyrgyzstan as regional summit begins

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping opened discussions on Monday (August 31) in Kyrgyzstan, as a dozen other leaders convened for a two-day Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit. Attendees included Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian, Turkey's Recep Tayyip Erdogan, India's Narendra Modi, and Pakistan's Shehbaz Sharif.

The SCO summit marks its 25th anniversary, occurring four-and-a-half years after Russia's invasion of Ukraine and six months into the conflict between the United States and Iran.

Putin and Xi highlighted the strengthening of their bilateral relations, with Xi expressing satisfaction at the solidification of Russia-China ties and the expected growth of their prospects. Both leaders acknowledged the escalating uncertainty and unpredictability in the international order. Putin informed Xi that Russia's economy has grown increasingly reliant on China during the four-and-a-half-year conflict in Ukraine, with Western nations urging Beijing to pressure Moscow to cease its offensive.

The SCO, originally formed to counter Western influence, now comprises 15 dialogue partners and two observer countries beyond its original 10 member states. The Bishkek summit takes place amidst ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and Iran, as well as trade disputes involving sanctions from the United States. Chinese officials have defended their ties to Iran despite economic pressures, while Iranian leaders have emphasized their intent to circumvent sanctions through group participation. However, experts question the tangible benefits of such alliances during times of crisis.