Putin Highlights SCO Role in Asia-Pacific Growth and Multipolar Equality

Russian President Vladimir Putin, concluding his four-day official visit to China, underscored the resilience of the global economy and the growing importance of the Asia-Pacific region. Speaking to journalists in Beijing after attending the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit in Tianjin and a major military parade in the Chinese capital, Putin stressed that despite recessions in Europe, “the global economy is still moving ahead, especially in Asia-Pacific.”

Putin noted that demand for energy is steadily rising, reaffirming Russia’s role as a reliable supplier while pointing to ongoing talks and new agreements with partners across the region. He emphasized that the SCO framework enabled several informal but highly productive meetings with world leaders, calling them “very useful.” Among his bilateral engagements were talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, which he described as crucial for advancing mutual interests.

Highlighting China’s role in shaping global trends, Putin welcomed Beijing’s Global Governance initiative, saying it will “boost cooperation between countries” and provide “positive momentum for further coordination.” He added that agreements reached during his visit are not “acts of charity” but mutually beneficial arrangements built on market principles. Stressing the importance of equality in international affairs, Putin declared: “Everyone has equal rights in this multipolar world. Yes, there are economic giants like India or China… but it doesn’t mean that anyone should dominate global politics or security. We don’t believe there should be some domination, everyone must be equal.” According to Putin, this consensus signals a new phase of practical cooperation, one that strengthens partnerships while ensuring stability in a rapidly changing world.