During the opening of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit in Tianjin, China, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin voiced strong criticisms against the West. The leaders from the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) are attending a significant military parade commemorating the end of World War II.
In front of approximately 20 leaders from the Eurasian region, Xi advocated for a global system rooted in fairness. He stated, “We must enhance our historical perspective on World War II, oppose Cold War mentalities, and confront the blocs and intimidation tactics employed by certain countries,” indirectly referencing the United States.
Xi continued by expressing that “the current international situation has become chaotic and intertwined, with security and development challenges for member states intensifying.” He added, “As the world experiences turmoil and transformation, we must advance and improve the organization’s missions.”
Xi held a series of consecutive bilateral meetings with various leaders, including Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, a close ally of Putin, and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is visiting China for the first time since 2018.
The summit also includes Iranian President Massoud Bzashkian, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Xi, Putin, and Modi were seen conversing live with their interpreters in attendance.
During the discussions, Modi stated to Xi, “India is committed to advancing our relations based on mutual trust and dignity.”
Putin used his speech to defend the ongoing war in Ukraine, placing the blame on the West for its escalation, asserting, “This crisis was not caused by the Russian attack on Ukraine but rather was a result of a coup in Ukraine supported and caused by the West.” He also remarked, “A second reason for this crisis is the West’s continuous efforts to drag Ukraine into NATO.”
Putin held a nearly hour-long meeting with Modi inside his armored vehicle prior to their official meeting, according to Russian state media. While referring to their “special friendship,” Putin emphasized their close coordination on international issues.
Modi shared a photo with Putin on social media, saying, “Conversations with him are always beneficial.” Putin described the Indian Prime Minister as “a dear friend,” noting that the bilateral relations are evolving dynamically, as per a video released by the Kremlin.
Simultaneously, India condemned the increasing pressure from the United States to cease its imports of Russian oil. Indian Oil Minister Hardeep Puri stated that these imports have helped safeguard the global economy against soaring prices and directly challenged the harsh tone of White House trade adviser Peter Navarro.
Putin also met with Erdoğan, praising Ankara’s efforts to mediate between Russia and Ukraine. He stated, “I am confident that Turkey’s unique role in these matters will remain in demand.” The Tianjin summit is under strict security and military measures, with armored vehicles deployed in various areas and traffic halted in many parts of the city.
Signs in Mandarin and Russian praising the “Spirit of Tianjin” and “mutual trust” between Moscow and Beijing have been displayed throughout the city. Some leaders, including Putin and Bzashkian, have been invited to extend their stay until Wednesday.
Today, leaders will observe a grand military parade in Beijing to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. This parade will kick off a series of events where China aims to showcase not only its diplomatic influence but also its military strength, presenting itself as a pillar of stability in a divided world.
For this occasion, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un will make a rare visit outside his country to meet Xi in China.