Xi, Putin vow to deepen strategic ties after meeting at SCO summit

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin vowed to deepen strategic ties during their meeting at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. The leaders met on the sidelines of the SCO summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. Xi emphasized the SCO's mission to safeguard regional stability and promote development amid global uncertainty, expressing willingness to collaborate with Russia and other nations in reforming global governance and advancing multipolar world order.

Putin underscored the importance of solidarity and cooperation within the SCO, highlighting Russia's desire to strengthen ties with China in various sectors, including trade, energy, industry, transport, science, and technology. The two leaders reviewed recent bilateral progress, including the recently extended 2001 Treaty of Good-Neighbourliness and Friendly Cooperation.

They discussed international and regional matters of mutual interest but did not provide specifics. The SCO, founded in 2001 by China and Russia, along with Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan, has expanded its membership to include 10 nations. The SCO's focus has shifted beyond security to include trade, connectivity, digital development, and global governance.

However, the grouping remains fragmented on issues such as the conflicts in Iran and Ukraine, Russia-China relations, and the extent to which it should challenge Western influence.