China's summit meeting intends to pacify Putin concerning Ukraine's situation.
In the heart of Tianjin, China, leaders from ten Asian and European countries are convening for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation's (SCO) security summit. Among them is Russian President Vladimir Putin, as tensions in Europe's east continue to loom large.
The SCO, comprising China, Russia, India, Pakistan, Iran, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan, is a significant platform for regional dialogue. This year's summit, however, is taking place against a backdrop of trade tensions and geopolitical maneuvers.
China, the largest provider of dual-use goods and sensitive items that sustain Russia's military industrial base, according to the EU, has expressed a desire to see the conflict in Ukraine end without isolating Russia. However, China has rejected joining Trump-proposed denuclearisation talks with the US and Russia.
India, on the other hand, has criticized the US and Europe for their alleged double standards in their trade relationship with Russia. This criticism comes amidst India's own trade tensions with the US, particularly due to President Donald Trump's 50% tariffs. There is a possibility of a reset of relations between China and India following these trade tensions.
The EU, not explicitly mentioned as considering sanctions against Russia's closest allies, has emphasized maintaining and strengthening economic and diplomatic sanctions against Russia and its allies. The EU's positioning during the SCO summit focuses on continued pressure to bring Russia to negotiate an end to the war in Ukraine, including leveraging immobilized Russian state assets to support Ukraine's reconstruction.
Amidst these discussions, there are concerns about the potential escalation of the war in Europe's east, following Russia's full-scale invasion of its neighbor. The Chinese and Indians, however, do not consider resolving the conflict in Ukraine as a priority compared to Europeans.
Following the SCO summit, Putin and some leaders will attend a military parade in Beijing to mark the 80th anniversary of China's victory over Japan. Chinese President Xi Jinping will host leaders from around 20 countries at this historic event.
The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation's summit will focus on Beijing's relationship with Moscow. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun has emphasized the importance of dialogue in resolving the Ukrainian crisis. As global leaders gather in Tianjin, the focus remains on finding a peaceful resolution to ongoing conflicts and fostering economic cooperation amidst trade tensions.
