Xi and Putin Vow to Strengthen SCO Role Amid Tensions with Washington
Quick Look
Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin met on the sidelines of the SCO summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, vowing to strengthen the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation's role in global governance and regional stability amid rising tensions with the United States and its allies.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
The meeting occurred on the sidelines of the SCO's 25th anniversary summit in Bishkek, marking the second face-to-face encounter between Xi and Putin in 2026 following Putin's state visit to China in May.
Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin both vowed to strengthen the role of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) during their meeting on Monday, as the two countries seek to deepen strategic coordination amid mounting tensions with Washington and its allies.
The two leaders met on the sidelines of the SCO summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.
Xi said the SCO has a mission to safeguard regional stability and promote regional development amid growing uncertainty and unpredictability in a fast-changing international situation, according to a readout from the Chinese side.
“China is willing to work with all parties, including Russia, to discuss the future development of the organisation, help it achieve steady and long-term growth, and strengthen the force that leads the reform of global governance and advances an equal and orderly world multipolarity,” he said.
Putin said Russia and China should enhance solidarity and cooperation within the organisation and play a guiding role, the readout said.
China’s Xi hails ‘fruitful’ talks with Russia’s Putin #xitrumpsummit
The encounter, on the sidelines of the SCO’s 25th anniversary, was their second face-to-face meeting this year following Putin’s trip to China in May, just days after Donald Trump’s visit.
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
China and Russia will continue to strengthen SCO coordination through joint initiatives discussed during their meetings.
Likely · Within months
Open Questions
- What specific initiatives are being implemented by relevant departments from China and Russia?
- How will the SCO's role in global governance reform be advanced in practice?
- What are the exact nature and scope of mounting tensions with Washington and its allies referenced in the article?
