Putin Says Russia, China Aim to Work “for the Benefit of All Humanity” Ahead of SCO Summit

Putin Backs Stronger Russia-China Ties, Calls for BRICS-Led Financial Reform Ahead of SCO Summit.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has said Moscow and Beijing are “united in strengthening” BRICS to address global challenges and counter “discriminatory sanctions” that, he claims, obstruct the socioeconomic development of member states and the wider international community.

In an interview with China’s Xinhua News Agency ahead of the 25th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Tianjin, Putin highlighted deepening Russia-China cooperation across multilateral platforms. He described BRICS as a “key pillar of global architecture” and called for reforms in international financial institutions to reflect the “real standing” of emerging economies.

“We stand united in strengthening BRICS’ ability to meet pressing global challenges, share similar views on regional and international security, and take a common stand against discriminatory sanctions,” Putin said.

The Russian President, who is in China for the SCO summit from August 31 to September 1, is also expected to hold bilateral talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines.

Reiterating support for reforming the IMF and World Bank, Putin urged the creation of a “new financial system” built on openness, fairness and equal access for all nations. He criticised the use of financial tools as “neo-colonialism” and said BRICS seeks inclusive growth benefiting the “Global Majority.”

Putin also praised China’s role within the G20, noting that together with Russia and other BRICS members, it had helped shift the agenda to reflect priorities of the Global South. He welcomed the inclusion of the African Union in the G20, calling it a move towards “deepening synergies” between BRICS and other global forums.