Kathmandu— Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping will meet with more than a dozen other world leaders at the annual summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) on Monday in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. The SCO, which has historically focused on economic issues, is also used by Putin and Xi to promote their vision of a multipolar world and present a united front against Western powers.

SCO's Role and Vision

The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) was founded with the goal of fostering regional cooperation, but it has increasingly become a platform for Russia and China to amplify their geopolitical views. At last year’s summit, Putin accused Western countries of provoking the Ukraine war, while Xi denounced acts of intimidation by the US, highlighting tensions between major powers.

Attendees and Bilateral Talks

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan are also expected to attend. Pezeshkian is set to hold bilateral talks with Putin, following a meeting between their foreign ministers in July. Iran joined the SCO this year and maintains close military ties with Russia and energy links with China.

SCO's Economic Impact

The SCO claims to represent about 40 percent of the world’s population and 25 percent of global GDP, making it a significant economic bloc. This year marks the 25th anniversary since its founding.

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent recently criticized China's trade surplus, stating that Beijing's $1.2 trillion global trade surplus is unsustainable and calling for G20 members to re-examine their terms of trade with China.

(With inputs from Al Jazeera)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.