On July 3, 2024, Russian President Vladimir Putin met with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in Astana, Kazakhstan. The meeting was marked by a symbolic gesture as Putin and Xi entered the room hand in hand before taking their seats at the negotiating table, emphasizing the close relationship between the two leaders.Putin and Xi both stressed the strength of Russia-China relations, with Putin declaring them to be at their ‘best moment in history’. The Russian president highlighted the importance of their cooperation in global affairs, describing it as ‘one of the main stabilizing factors in international relations’. Putin also extended an invitation to Xi for the upcoming BRICS summit in Kazan, Russia, scheduled for October.The leaders discussed the role of the SCO in promoting a ‘just and multipolar world order’. Putin emphasized that the organization, which represents 40% of the world’s population and around 30% of global GDP, has become a key pillar in counterbalancing Western influence. Both leaders affirmed that their cooperation is not directed against any third party.In a separate meeting, Putin and Erdogan addressed regional issues, including the situations in Syria and Ukraine. Erdogan proposed Turkey’s mediation to end the conflict in Ukraine, stating that ‘a just peace that satisfies both sides is possible’. The Turkish president also invited Putin to visit Turkey ‘as soon as possible’.The summit, which includes member states such as India, Iran, and Pakistan, is seen as an opportunity for Russia and China to demonstrate that they are not isolated by Western sanctions. Belarus, a close ally of Russia in its war in Ukraine, is set to formally join the SCO on the final day of the summit.
Key points
- Putin and Xi emphasized the strength of Russia-China relations at the SCO summit.
- The leaders discussed the SCO’s role in promoting a multipolar world order.
- Erdogan proposed Turkey’s mediation in the Ukraine conflict.
- Belarus is set to formally join the SCO, expanding the organization’s influence.
Contradictions👾While most sources report on the strengthening of ties between Russia, China, and Turkey, some articles emphasize the potential rivalries and disagreements among SCO members, particularly in Central Asia.
