Tianjin: Russian President Vladimir Putin has underscored Moscow’s growing alignment with Beijing, declaring that the two nations are working “shoulder-to-shoulder” within multilateral platforms to reshape the global order in a way that serves the wider international community.
Speaking to China’s Xinhua News Agency on the eve of the 25th Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Heads of State Council summit, Putin said Russia and China are committed to strengthening BRICS as a cornerstone of international cooperation, particularly in resisting what he termed “discriminatory sanctions” that stifle development across much of the world.
“We are deepening coordination with China to ensure BRICS emerges as a central pillar of global architecture,” Putin said. “Our joint initiatives aim to expand opportunities for member states by creating new platforms for cooperation in strategic areas. Together, we are defending against sanctions that block socioeconomic progress not only for our members, but for humanity at large.”
The summit, being held in Tianjin from August 31 to September 1, will also see Putin hold bilateral talks with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines, marking another key moment in the evolving web of Eurasian diplomacy.
The Russian leader used the interview to renew calls for reforming global financial institutions, including the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank, which he accused of perpetuating “neo-colonial practices.” Putin said a fairer system is needed one based on equity, inclusiveness, and genuine representation.
“A new financial system must reflect the real standing of member states in the global economy, providing equal and non-discriminatory access for all,” he said. “The use of finance as a tool of neo-colonialism must end. What we propose, together with China, is progress that benefits the Global Majority and indeed all humanity.”
Putin also highlighted China’s influence within the G20, praising its efforts alongside Russia and other partners to reorient the forum toward issues critical for the Global South. He welcomed the African Union’s entry into the G20 framework, describing it as a “significant step in linking BRICS with other global platforms.”
“By working together within the G20, BRICS members have successfully shifted the agenda to address real challenges faced by developing nations. The inclusion of the African Union is a milestone, deepening synergies between BRICS and other influential global groupings,” he noted.
Putin’s remarks set the tone for the SCO summit, where Russia and China are expected to press for greater multipolar cooperation framing their partnership not as a geopolitical bloc, but as an engine for what they call “inclusive global development.”