Xi hosts top diplomats of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, including Russia and India

Key Concepts

• Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO)
• Bilateral ties (India-China, Russia-China)
• Normalization and de-escalation (India-China border standoff)
• Territorial integrity and sovereignty
• Counter-terrorism
• Global South
• Western pressure on Russia (Ukraine war, sanctions)
• Trade in national currencies

1. SCO Foreign Ministers Meeting in Beijing

• Chinese President Xi Jinping met with foreign ministers of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) in Beijing.
• Xi urged member states to stay focused and play a more proactive role amid a turbulent global landscape.
• Attendees included top diplomats from Russia, India, Pakistan, and Iran.

2. Xi Jinping's Meeting with Sergey Lavrov (Russian Foreign Minister)

• Xi Jinping held a meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.
• They discussed several issues, including Vladimir Putin's upcoming trip to China in September.
• Xi highlighted the need for Beijing and Moscow to strengthen mutual support and unite countries of the Global South.

3. India's Perspective (Neha Puna Reporting from New Delhi)

• Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar also spoke with Xi Jinping, discussing the development of bilateral ties.
• This visit marks Jaishankar's first visit to China in 5 years, since the deadly border clash.
• India aims for a stable and forward-looking relationship with China, emphasizing continued normalization and de-escalation since the 2020 border standoff.
• Jaishankar's visit follows visits from India's national security advisor and defense minister, all expressing a positive attitude towards normalizing relations.
• Since President Xi and Prime Minister Modi met last year, there has been an agreement to reset ties.
• At the SCO meeting, Jaishankar emphasized the importance of the SCO remaining true to its founding objectives, particularly taking an uncompromising position on terrorism, referencing the attack in Indian-administered Kashmir, which India blames Pakistan for.
• Jaishankar called for SCO countries to respect each other's territorial integrity and sovereignty, reminding China of India's position on border disengagement.

4. Russia's Perspective (Dasha Chaneshova Reporting from Moscow)

• Lavrov's trip occurs against the backdrop of US President Donald Trump announcing a 50-day deadline for Moscow and Kyiv to reach a deal, with threats of 100% tariffs or secondary sanctions for those trading with Russia.
• Lavrov aims to garner support and assure colleagues that Moscow remains a reliable partner, ensuring logistics for continued trade flows.
• Lavrov met with Xi Jinping, stating that Moscow and Beijing should further their relationship and deepen bilateral cooperation and support on multilateral platforms.
• He urged Moscow and Beijing to continue implementing existing arrangements, focusing on deeper cooperation and finding ways to continue trade in national currencies despite international pressure and sanctions.
• China has stated that it is important to understand what led to Trump's decision to impose the 50-day deadline.
• Lavrov is trying to reassure his colleagues in China that trade and cooperation will continue as usual and will even deepen.

5. Synthesis/Conclusion

The SCO foreign ministers meeting in Beijing highlights the complex geopolitical landscape and the efforts of key players like China, Russia, and India to navigate it. While India seeks to normalize relations with China while maintaining its stance on border issues and counter-terrorism, Russia aims to strengthen ties with China amidst Western pressure and sanctions. The meeting underscores the importance of the SCO as a platform for these countries to coordinate their strategies and pursue their respective interests in a rapidly changing world order. The emphasis on trade in national currencies and mutual support suggests a move towards greater economic and political independence from the West.