Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in Tianjin on Sunday to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit, where he underscored Russia and China’s united opposition to “discriminatory sanctions” that he said obstruct the socioeconomic development of BRICS member countries.
In a written interview with China’s state-run Xinhua news agency, Mr. Putin said Moscow and Beijing are committed to mobilising resources for critical infrastructure projects while working together to strengthen BRICS’ ability to tackle pressing global challenges.
“We take a common stand against discriminatory sanctions that hinder the socioeconomic development of BRICS members and the world at large,” Mr. Putin said. His remarks came against the backdrop of U.S. President Donald Trump threatening BRICS countries with 10% tariffs.
BRICS, which originally comprised Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, has recently expanded to include Saudi Arabia, Iran, Ethiopia, Egypt, Argentina, and the United Arab Emirates.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to meet Mr. Putin on the sidelines of the SCO summit, which runs from Sunday to Monday.
Mr. Putin also stressed that Russia and China support reforms of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank, while advocating a new global financial system based on “openness and true equity.” Such a system, he said, should provide equal and non-discriminatory access to financial tools for all countries and reflect the real standing of member states in the global economy.
“We seek progress for the benefit of all humanity. I am confident that Russia and China will continue to work together towards this noble goal, aligning our efforts to ensure the prosperity of our great nations,” he said.
During his visit, Mr. Putin will hold talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping and also attend China’s V-Day parade marking the 80th anniversary of its victory over Japan in World War II.
Looking ahead, Mr. Putin expressed hope that the SCO Tianjin Summit will provide “powerful new momentum” to the 10-member bloc, enhancing its ability to address contemporary challenges and consolidate solidarity across Eurasia.
“The SCO’s appeal lies in its simple but powerful principles: commitment to its founding philosophy, openness to equal cooperation, non-confrontation, and respect for the uniqueness of each nation,” he said. “Drawing on these values, the SCO contributes to shaping a fairer, multipolar world order, grounded in international law, with the central role of the United Nations.”
