Xi and Putin hail ‘tectonic shift’ in world order as they meet at summit and urge Russia and China’s allies to support their anti-Western agenda

The despotic leaders of China and Russia have hailed a “tectonic shift” in the world order after 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 Organisation (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 noted “tectonic shifts in world politics” and called for a greater role for the bloc in global and regional security.

“The use of force is increasing, norms of international law are being systematically violated, geopolitical confrontations and conflicts are increasing, and risks to stability in the world and the SCO region are growing,” the report said.

There was no reference to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine or the conflict between China and Taiwan, but it did say the group has “mutual respect for the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of states.”

Xi called on countries to “resist external interference,” while Putin claimed that “new centers” of political and economic power were emerging.

In a joint statement published by the Kremlin, the group noted that “tectonic shifts in global politics” are taking place

In addition to China, Russia and Belarus, the following countries are full members: India, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Pakistan and Tajikistan.

“We should join hands to oppose external interference, firmly support each other, address each other’s concerns… and firmly hold the future and fate of our countries and the peace and development of the region in our own hands,” Xi said at the summit.

“It is vital for the world that the SCO stands on the right side of history and on the side of fairness and justice,” he added.

Both Russia and China regularly criticize what they see as US dominance globally 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, making it its 10th member.

“The circle of states that stand up for a just world order and are ready to resolutely defend their legitimate rights and protect traditional values ​​is expanding,” Putin said.

“New centers of power are emerging and economic growth is emerging,” he added.

Last year, Iran, which is under Western sanctions, joined as a full member.

The SCO was founded in 2001, but has become more prominent 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 as a platform for cooperation in competition with the West, with a focus on security and economy, and in particular Central Asia. The country claims to represent 40 percent of the world’s population and about 30 percent of GDP.

But it is a heterogeneous group with many internal disagreements, including territorial disputes.

It is intended as a platform for cooperation in competition with the West, with a focus on security and economics and Central Asia in particular (file photo of Chinese soldiers at a military exercise)

Despite the struggle for influence, the SCO’s common anti-Western agenda was clearly visible at Thursday’s summit (file photo of Chinese soldiers)

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has further increased the interest of major powers in Central Asia, where Moscow is trying to maintain its traditional power, but China now has strong ties through its flagship Belt and Road infrastructure project.

The West is also trying to gain influence in this strategically important region, which is rich in oil and gas and is a major transport route between Asia and Europe.

Despite the struggle for influence, the SCO’s anti-Western agenda was clearly visible at Thursday’s summit.

In its final statement, the bloc criticized the “unilateral and unlimited buildup” of missile defense systems by faceless countries and regional alliances — a common complaint from both Moscow and Beijing against the United States.

They also called for a “rapid, complete and lasting ceasefire” in Gaza with a “comprehensive and just settlement of the Palestinian question.”

Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry announced on Thursday that the next leaders’ summit will take place in October.

Mumtaz Zahra Baloch, spokesperson for the ministry, said “all heads of government of SCO member states” would be welcome when asked whether Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the leader of neighbouring India, would be invited.

Modi did not attend the summit but is expected in Moscow soon, his first visit to the country since Russia invaded Ukraine.