Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian leader Vladimir Putin showcased unity at the SCO Summit in Tianjin, pledging economic support as Beijing positions itself against Donald Trump’s America First policies.
WEBDESK — Chinese leader Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin stood shoulder to shoulder Monday as China cast itself as a stabilizing global force during a high-profile summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO).
Speaking to leaders from Asia and the Middle East, Xi pledged 2 billion yuan ($280 million) in grants for SCO members and announced plans for a new development bank to strengthen regional economic and security cooperation. He urged nations to resist “hegemonism,” “Cold War mentality,” and “bullying practices,” remarks widely interpreted as aimed at the United States and its allies.
The SCO summit, held in Tianjin, underscored Beijing and Moscow’s deepening partnership at a time when President Donald Trump’s trade wars and foreign aid cutbacks have unsettled many governments. Trump did not attend the gathering, which Chinese officials billed as the largest in the organization’s history.
Putin, who faces mounting Western pressure over his ongoing offensive in Ukraine, was warmly received by Xi. The two leaders exchanged smiles and walked side by side during Sunday’s welcoming banquet, signaling their personal rapport.
Also attending were Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and leaders from Iran, Pakistan, and Central Asia. The summit comes ahead of a major military parade in Beijing this week, expected to draw Putin, North Korea’s Kim Jong Un and more than 20 foreign leaders.
For Xi, the meeting is a chance to present China as a reliable alternative to a U.S.-led order shaken by Trump’s “America First” agenda.
