Moscow [Russia], August 31 (ANI): Ahead of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit, Russian President Vladimir Putin has reaffirmed Russia’s cooperation with China. In an interview with Xinhua published on Saturday, Putin expressed eagerness to hold discussions with Chinese President Xi Jinping on “all aspects” of their bilateral agenda.
“I look forward to in-depth discussions with President Xi Jinping on all aspects of our bilateral agenda, including political and security cooperation, as well as economic, cultural, and humanitarian ties. And, as always, we will exchange views on pressing regional and international issues,” Putin told the Chinese state news agency.
Highlighting the “unprecedented” growth in Russia-China relations, Putin noted that bilateral trade with Moscow’s leading partner has increased by about USD 100 billion since 2021. “In terms of trade volume, China is by far Russia’s leading partner, while last year Russia ranked fifth among China’s foreign trade partners,” Putin said, adding that most transactions between the two countries are now conducted in rubles and yuan.
Putin reaffirmed that China remains Russia’s largest importer of oil and gas. He pointed out that since the Power of Siberia pipeline began operating in 2019, cumulative deliveries of natural gas have exceeded 100 billion cubic meters. “In 2027, we plan to launch another major gas route, the so-called Far Eastern Route,” he said. He also noted that Russia and China continue efforts to reduce trade barriers, with exports of pork and beef to China launched in recent years. At the same time, Russia has become a major market for Chinese automobile exports.
The SCO Summit comes amid escalating trade tensions, with the United States imposing steep tariffs on several member countries, including India, where a 50 percent duty has been levied. Putin emphasized that the SCO plays a vital role in promoting multipolarity and equitable cooperation. “The SCO’s appeal lies in its simple but powerful principles: a firm commitment to its founding philosophy, openness to equal cooperation, not targeting third parties, and respect for the national characteristics and uniqueness of each nation,” he said.
“The summit will inject powerful new momentum into the SCO, strengthen its capacity to respond to contemporary challenges and threats, and consolidate solidarity across the shared Eurasian space. All this will help shape a fairer multipolar world order,” Putin added.
Putin has arrived in China to participate in the 25th SCO Heads of State Council Summit, which runs from August 31 to September 1. During the summit, he is expected to hold bilateral talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines. Modi’s visit to China marks his first in seven years and comes at a time when Washington has imposed punitive tariffs on India over its purchase of Russian oil.
The SCO Summit is being held at the Meijiang Convention and Exhibition Centre in Tianjin. Following a welcoming ceremony and photo session, leaders will attend a reception and concert.
The SCO currently has 10 member states: India, Belarus, China, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. It also includes several dialogue partners and observers. India joined as a full member in 2017 after serving as an observer since 2005. During the summit, Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to meet Russian President Putin. (ANI)
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