China and Russia's Strategic Partnerships at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Summit in Kazakhstan

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin met on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Kazakhstan to discuss deepening their comprehensive strategic partnership, strengthening defence ties, and expanding economic cooperation.

Both leaders highlighted tectonic shifts in global politics and emphasized the need for countries to resist external interference and control their own futures. The SCO issued a joint declaration acknowledging the changing global political landscape and calling for an enhanced role in global security, seen as a counterweight to US hegemony.

Xi Jinping also expressed support for Kazakhstan's bid to join the BRICS cooperation mechanism and backed the development of transport connections and people-to-people exchanges in the region. The summit showcased China and Russia's efforts to compete and cooperate in Central Asia, with both countries expanding their influence through infrastructure projects and growing trade.

Additionally, the SCO welcomed Belarus as its tenth member, further solidifying the organization's presence in Asia and Europe.