China and Russia Highlight ‘Tectonic Shifts in Global Politics’

At the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit, the leaders of China and Russia emphasized the need for their allies to resist external influence, citing a shift in global power dynamics towards a multipolar world. Both Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping attended the summit in Astana, Kazakhstan, advocating for the SCO as a significant counterweight to US dominance on the global stage.

Xi Jinping called on SCO member countries to “resist external interference,” emphasizing the importance of mutual support and control over their destinies. He stated, “We should join hands to resist external interference, firmly support each other, take care of each other’s concerns, and firmly control the future and destiny of our countries and regional peace and development in our own hands.” Xi also stressed the importance of the SCO being aligned with fairness and justice in global affairs.

Putin echoed these sentiments, highlighting the rise of new political and economic power centers. He remarked, “The multipolar world has become a reality,” and celebrated Belarus’s accession to the SCO as its tenth member. Putin noted, “The circle of states that stand for a just world order and are ready to resolutely defend their legitimate rights and protect traditional values is expanding.”

A joint declaration from the summit, published by the Kremlin, recognized “tectonic shifts in global politics” and called for an enhanced role of the SCO in global and regional security. The declaration mentioned increasing use of force, violations of international law, growing geopolitical confrontations, and multiplying risks to stability in the world and the SCO region.

The final communique also called for an “early, complete, and sustainable ceasefire” in Gaza and a “comprehensive and just settlement of the Palestinian question.” While it did not address Russia’s invasion of Ukraine or China’s dispute with Taiwan, it affirmed mutual respect for the sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity of states.

The SCO, founded in 2001, has gained prominence in recent years. Its full members now include China, Russia, Belarus, India, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Pakistan, and Tajikistan. Western-sanctioned Iran joined as a full member last year, and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also attended the recent meeting.

Both Russia and China frequently criticize US dominance in global affairs and seek to bolster their influence, particularly in regions close to their borders. Putin highlighted the significance of this growing coalition, stating, “New centers of power and economic growth are strengthening,” underscoring the evolving nature of global politics.

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