Presidents Vladimir Putin of Russia and Xi Jinping of China urged allies to resist external influence during the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit held in Astana, Kazakhstan. The leaders emphasized the shifting global power dynamics and the rise of a multipolar world.
Key Points from the Summit:
– Taliban "Allies" Against Terrorism: Vladimir Putin, the president of Russia, declared on Thursday that since the Taliban are in charge of Afghanistan, Moscow views them as “allies” in the war against terrorism. The Taliban is a banned organization in Russia. Although the Taliban has been outlawed in Russia since 2003, Moscow has long supported ties with them, and Putin recently demanded that Moscow “build up” ties with the Taliban regime.
– Resisting External Interference: SCO members are urged by Xi Jinping to stand up to outside meddling and help one another. “We should join hands to resist external interference, firmly support each other, take care of each other’s concerns,” he stated.
– Emergence of New Centers: Vladimir Putin emphasized the emergence of fresh centers of politics and economy. “New centers of power and economic growth are strengthening,” he said.
– SCO's Role in Global Security: The Kremlin released a unified proclamation that recognized “tectonic shifts in global politics” and promoted the expanded role of the SCO in regional and international security. The statement mentioned escalating geopolitical conflicts, systematic breaches of international law, and an increase in the use of force.
– Call for Ceasefire in Gaza: The final communiqué urged a comprehensive and just settlement of the Palestinian dilemma and called for a “early, complete and sustainable ceasefire” in Gaza.
Details and Context:
– SCO Membership and Expansion: Since its founding in 2001, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) has grown in stature, with China, Russia, India, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Pakistan, Tajikistan, and Belarus among its full members. Together, the bloc accounts for around 30% of the global gross domestic product and 40% of the world’s population.
– Internal Disagreements: The SCO is beset by internal conflicts, especially territorial disputes among member nations, despite its best efforts to work together.
– Regional Influence and Projects: Despite China’s close links, Russia hopes to preserve its influence in Central Asia through the Belt and Road infrastructure initiative. Both nations seek to increase their regional supremacy while opposing what they see as US hegemony in international issues.
– Geopolitical Rivalries: In Central Asia, a region rich in gas and oil and vital to transportation lines connecting Asia and Europe, the West is also vying for influence.
Statements on Security and Sovereignty:
– Respect for Sovereignty: States’ sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity were all reaffirmed in the joint declaration. It made no mention of China’s Taiwan conflict or Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
– Criticism of Missile Defense Systems: The group voiced disapproval of the “unilateral and unrestricted build-up” of missile defense systems by unidentified nations, a criticism that Moscow and Beijing frequently level at the United States.
Summit Attendance:
– Global Participation: Leaders from every member state, including Belarus, which became the ninth, attended the summit. Antonio Guterres, the secretary-general of the UN, was present as well.
(With inputs from Reuters)