SCO Summit in China: Why Putin's Meeting with Xi Caused a Stir.

According to FREEДOM:

Start of the SCO Summit in China

Today, August 31, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit has started in China. This is the largest event in the organization's history. Leaders from more than 20 countries are participating - both permanent members and dialogue partners, reports FREEdom.

Important Leaders Have Arrived

A number of high-ranking officials have already arrived in the People's Republic of China (PRC), including Russian President Vladimir Putin, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

Negotiations between China and India

One of the important events of the summit will be the meeting between Xi Jinping and Narendra Modi. This will be the first visit by the Indian Prime Minister to China in the last seven years. Relations between the countries remain tense due to border conflicts and China's support for Pakistan. Western media believe that the tariff policy of former US President Donald Trump has been a factor that brought New Delhi closer to Beijing.

'China and India are two ancient Eastern civilizations, two of the most populous countries in the world. We share a historical responsibility for improving the well-being of our peoples, strengthening solidarity in the Global South, and promoting the progress of humanity. Being friendly neighbors and partners who support each other, as well as realizing that 'the dragon and the elephant dance together' is the right choice for both states,' said Chinese leader Xi Jinping during the summit.

Putin's Visit to China

The media also noted the reception arranged for Vladimir Putin in Tianjin. On the plane's gangway, he was met by a small delegation, which quickly escorted him to the car, unlike the traditional reception of other world leaders. For instance, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi encountered dancing girls in national costumes, as did the leaders of Myanmar and Pakistan.

Key Issues of the Meeting

Putin's visit to China will last four days. According to The Guardian, the main topic of the negotiations will be the alignment of Putin's and Xi's positions on Russia's war against Ukraine in the context of the US attempts to achieve a peaceful settlement. Moscow wants to know whether it can count on further assistance from China and how Beijing will respond if the United States asks it to influence the Kremlin.

The importance of this summit lies not only in the numerous participating countries but also in the opportunity to overcome international tensions through dialogue. Conversations between China and India may open new horizons in bilateral relations, while Russia's position and its relationship with China become critically important amid global political challenges.