Despotic leaders from China and Russia have hailed a “tectonic shift” in the world order following an anti-Western summit in Kazakhstan.
Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping were in the Kazakh capital Astana for a meeting of leaders of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), a regional bloc that Moscow and Beijing see as a counterweight to US “hegemony” on the world stage.
In a joint statement released by the Kremlin, the group highlighted “tectonic shifts in global politics” and called for the bloc to play a greater role in global and regional security.
“The use of force is increasing, the norms of international law are being systematically violated, confrontation and geopolitical conflicts are growing, and the risks to stability in the world and in the SCO region are multiplying,” he said.
He did not address Russia’s invasion of Ukraine or China’s dispute with Taiwan, but said the group had “mutual respect for the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of states.”
Xi urged countries to “resist external interference,” while Putin said “new centers” of political and economic power were emerging.
Russian President Vladimir Putin (pictured, right) and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping (pictured, left) were in the Kazakh capital Astana for a meeting of leaders of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO).
In a joint statement released by the Kremlin, the group noted “tectonic shifts in global politics.”
In addition to China, Russia and Belarus, its full members are: India, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Pakistan and Tajikistan.
“We should unite to resist external interference, firmly support each other, care for each other’s concerns… and firmly control the future and destiny of our countries and regional peace and development in our own hands,” Xi said at the summit.
“It is vitally important for the world that the SCO stands on the right side of history and on the side of equity and justice,” he added.
Both Russia and China periodically criticize what they see as American dominance of world affairs and seek to increase their influence and control, particularly in regions close to their borders.
“The multipolar world has become a reality,” Putin said in his speech at the summit.
He also welcomed the accession of Belarus, a close ally of Russia, to the bloc, becoming its 10th member.
“The circle of states that advocate a just world order and are ready to resolutely defend their legitimate rights and protect traditional values is expanding,” Putin said.
“New centres of power and economic growth are gaining strength,” he added.
Iran, under sanctions by the West, joined as a full member last year.
The SCO was founded in 2001, but has gained importance in recent years. In addition to China, Russia and Belarus, its full members are: India, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Pakistan and Tajikistan.
It is intended to be a platform for cooperation in competition with the West, focusing on security and economics and Central Asia in particular, and claims to represent 40 percent of the world’s population and around 30 percent of its GDP.
But it is a disparate group with many internal disagreements, including territorial disputes.
It is intended to be a platform for cooperation in competition with the West, with a focus on security and the economy, and in particular on Central Asia (Archive image of Chinese soldiers in a military exercise)
Despite the struggle for influence, the SCO’s common anti-Western agenda was clearly laid out at Thursday’s summit (archive image of Chinese soldiers)
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has further heightened major power interest in Central Asia, where Moscow is seeking to maintain its traditional influence but where China now has strong ties through its flagship Belt and Road infrastructure project.
The West is also vying for influence in this strategically important region, rich in oil and gas and a crucial shipping route between Asia and Europe.
Despite the struggle for influence, the SCO’s common anti-Western agenda was clearly evident at Thursday’s summit.
In the final statement, the bloc criticized the “unilateral and unrestricted construction” of missile defense systems by unnamed countries and regional alliances, a common complaint from both Moscow and Beijing directed at the United States.
They also called for a “swift, comprehensive and sustainable ceasefire” in Gaza with a “comprehensive and just solution to the Palestinian question.”
Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry announced Thursday that it will host the next leaders’ summit in October.
Mumtaz Zahra Baloch, a spokeswoman for the ministry, said “all heads of government of SCO member states” would be welcome when asked if Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the leader of rival neighbour India, would be invited.
Modi did not attend the summit but is expected to be in Moscow in the coming days, his first visit to the country since Russia invaded Ukraine.