During the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit, Chinese President Xi Jinping called on leaders to reject the ‘Cold War mentality,’ which he implied was a strategy employed by the United States to dominate global affairs. His remarks, delivered in a speech to the gathering, were interpreted by analysts as a veiled critique of US foreign policy, particularly its interventions in regions such, as the Middle East and Eastern Europe. Xi’s warning came as Russia’s President Vladimir Putin utilized the same forum to reaffirm his stance on the conflict in Ukraine, describing the country’s military actions as essential to safeguarding national interests and countering Western influence in the region.
Xi’s criticism of the ‘Cold War mentality’ was seen as a clear attempt to align the SCO with China’s broader foreign policy objectives, which emphasize multilateralism and the rejection of what Beijing calls ‘unilateralism.’ TheSCO, which includes China, Russia, and several Central Asian states, has long been a platform for regional cooperation, but its members have increasingly found themselves at odds over their approaches to global issues. Putin’s defense of his war in Ukraine further highlighted the growing ideological rift within the organization, as he framed the conflict as a necessary step to protect Russian sovereignty and security.
Analysts suggest that Xi’s comments were a strategic move to counter what he perceives as US-led efforts to fragment international alliances and assert dominance over the global order. At the same time, Putin’s continued support for the war in Ukraine has drawn significant international criticism, with many countries imposing sanctions on Russia and condemning its actions. The differing positions of the two leaders at the SCO summit reflect the broader geopolitical tensions between East and West, with the organization serving as a microcosm of these conflicts. As the SCO continues its discussions, the diverging priorities of its members may complicate efforts to achieve consensus on key global issues.