Putin and Xi Jinping Hold Key Talks on Sidelines of SCO Summit in Bishkek

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping held a key bilateral meeting in Bishkek on Monday on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit.

The meeting took place as SCO leaders gathered in the Kyrgyz capital for the organisation’s 25th-anniversary summit, which is being held from August 31 to September 1. The summit brings together leaders from Russia, China, India, Pakistan, Iran, Belarus and Central Asian states.

The Kremlin had earlier said that Putin and Xi would discuss bilateral cooperation, major international and regional issues, and the Power of Siberia 2 gas pipeline project. Russian presidential aide Yuri Ushakov said the two sides could also discuss the possible finalisation of agreements related to the long-delayed pipeline.

Energy cooperation remains a major component of Russia-China relations, with Moscow seeking to expand natural gas exports to China as Western sanctions continue to reshape Russia’s energy trade.

The talks also come amid broader efforts by Moscow and Beijing to strengthen strategic coordination and promote a more multipolar international order. The SCO summit itself is expected to focus on regional security, economic connectivity, trade, energy and major international crises, including the Russia-Ukraine conflict and tensions in the Middle East.

The Putin-Xi meeting is their second face-to-face meeting of the year and is being closely watched for indications of further Russian-Chinese cooperation on energy, security and international affairs.