Putin and Xi Vow Stronger Ties at SCO Summit

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping met on August 31, 2026, during the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. The leaders vowed to strengthen their strategic bilateral ties and enhance the SCO's role in reforming global governance to advance a multipolar world. Putin characterized the relationship as a model for international relations and expressed readiness to expand cooperation in trade, energy, industry, and science, specifically highlighting artificial intelligence and digital innovations as new economic opportunities.

To further integrate the two nations, Putin proposed making the current visa-free travel regime permanent, noting that such arrangements increased tourist flows by 43% in the first half of the year. He also pledged Russian support for China's hosting of the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting and continued coordination within the United Nations, BRICS, and G20.

During the summit, Putin also met with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. While Putin praised the strategic partnership between Russia and India, Modi urged a transition away from endless war, specifically supporting efforts to end the conflict in Ukraine. These diplomatic efforts occur as Russia seeks to solidify ties with non-Western partners and increases domestic internet controls, including the promotion of the state-backed Max messenger platform to monitor online activity.