Putin and Xi affirm strategic alliance amid ‘unpredictable’ world

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping reaffirmed their strategic alliance at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. The leaders met on the sidelines of the summit, where Xi stated that bilateral ties have grown "more solid" and expressed optimism for future relations despite increased global uncertainty. Putin agreed, noting successful cooperation on all fronts. The meeting occurred amidst ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and between the United States and Iran. Discussions largely focused on economic relations, with Ukraine war mentioned "in passing." Other leaders attending the summit included those from India, Iran, Pakistan, and Turkey.

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin met on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. During their meeting on Monday, both leaders pledged to enhance the SCO's role. They aim to deepen strategic coordination between their countries amidst rising tensions with the United States and its allies. Xi stated that the SCO is tasked with ensuring regional stability and fostering development in a rapidly evolving and uncertain global landscape.

Leaders from China, Russia, and India are attending the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in Kyrgyzstan, an event framed as a counterweight to U.S. global influence. The summit, held in Bishkek, includes bilateral meetings between leaders like Russia's Putin and China's Xi. Russia and Iran view the SCO as a platform to strengthen ties with non-Western partners, especially amidst ongoing conflicts. Founded in 2001 as a security forum, the SCO now comprises 10 member nations and aims to promote regional cooperation as an alternative to Western-aligned organizations. While China and Russia advocate for expanding the SCO's scope, analysts note that member states have diverse interests and disagreements, making it not a unified bloc. For countries like India, the summit serves as a strategic signaling opportunity and a way to engage in a region shaped by major power competition.

Canada will be the first non-European nation to attend the European Political Community (EPC) summit in Yerevan, Armenia, on Monday. Prime Minister Mark Carney's attendance signifies Canada's effort to forge new trade and diplomatic alliances following perceived US market disruptions. His presence also demonstrates Western support for Armenia as it seeks to reduce its reliance on Russia and strengthen ties with Europe. The summit, championed by French President Emmanuel Macron, will address topics including the economic impact of potential US troop withdrawals from Germany and US-Iran conflict. Armenia's hosting of the event aims to showcase its growing European connections and support Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan's policy of diversification.

Gulf leaders convened in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, for their first in-person summit since the outbreak of the war on Iran two months ago. Hosted by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the meeting of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) aimed to discuss regional and international developments and coordinate efforts in response. Leaders from Kuwait, Bahrain, and Qatar were among those attending. Qatar's Emir stated the summit reflected a "unified Gulf stance" and emphasized intensifying coordination for a diplomatic solution to preserve regional security and stability. The talks occurred as the US considers an Iranian proposal to end the war and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping route. The GCC nations stressed the necessity of reopening the strait and securing a permanent arrangement.