Xi Jinping has denounced the "actions of coercion" by certain nations, while Vladimir Putin attributed the conflict in Ukraine to western interference, during the second day of a major gathering in China aimed at offering an alternative to western-dominated alliances.
The Shanghai Cooperation Summit (SCO) commenced in Tianjin on Sunday, with Xi hosting leaders from Eurasian member states and partner nations, including Putin and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Addressing attendees on Monday, Putin asserted that the conflict stemmed not from Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine but from "a coup in Ukraine, encouraged by western influence."
"The crisis was also fueled by persistent attempts to integrate Ukraine into NATO," the Russian president added.
The prolonged war has resulted in extensive casualties and destruction across eastern Ukraine.
Earlier, Xi highlighted the increasing challenges in security and development faced by member states, urging them to "reject divisive mindsets, bloc rivalries, and coercive tactics."
"We should strengthen the UN-centered global order and uphold the WTO-led multilateral trade framework," he stated.
Xi commended the SCO’s development as an example of collaborative multilateralism. He called for enhanced economic ties among member states, pledging 2 billion yuan ($280 million) in aid and an additional 10 billion yuan in loans through the SCO’s financial arm.
The Tianjin summit, the largest since the SCO’s 2002 founding, aligns with Beijing’s strategy to counterbalance U.S. and western-led alliances. Shifts in global dynamics, including recent trade disruptions, have intensified this effort.
Modi, visiting China for the first time in seven years, has historically clashed with Beijing over border disputes and trade issues. However, recent talks suggested easing tensions, despite new trade penalties imposed by Washington.
Xi emphasized that stable China-India relations require mutual cooperation over rivalry, according to state media. Footage showed Xi, Putin, and Modi in discussion, flanked by interpreters. Putin acknowledged China and India’s role in seeking a resolution to the Ukraine crisis.
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