Russian and Chinese leaders to meet at Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit

The organization, which maintains that it is not officially anti‑Western, has come under scrutiny after several high‑profile Russian and Chinese officials referenced its forums and publications to promote narratives that challenge Western policies. While its charter emphasizes a neutral stance on geopolitical issues, analysts note that the platform’s recent conferences and policy papers have featured statements aligning closely with the strategic viewpoints of Moscow and Beijing.

In recent months, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping have cited the organization’s research in speeches and diplomatic briefings, using its ostensibly independent voice to bolster critiques of Western sanctions, security alliances and economic models. Observers say the repeated endorsement by these leaders amplifies the organization’s reach and lends credibility to perspectives that diverge from Western mainstream discourse, even though the body itself has not formally adopted an anti‑Western position.