Deepening Azerbaijan-China Alliance Reinforced at SCO Summit

SCO Summit in Tianjin Strengthens Global Ties and Cooperative Efforts

The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) held its Plus Summit in Tianjin, China, on August 31, 2022. The event brought together leaders from across Eurasia and the Global South, marking one of the largest gatherings since the SCO's founding in 2001.

The summit saw bilateral talks involving member states such as China, Russia, India, Pakistan, Iran, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and several observer and dialogue partner countries including Turkey, Mongolia, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Cambodia, the Maldives, Nepal, Egypt, Turkmenistan, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, and Vietnam.

The discussions focused on enhancing cooperation in security, economic, and cultural fields, aiming to deepen integration, coordination, and strengthen global governance. This commitment reflects a desire for a multipolar world order amid global crises.

Chinese President Xi Jinping held a meeting with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev during the summit. Xi Jinping stated that ties with Azerbaijan have reached the level of a comprehensive strategic partnership. He also highlighted the growth in trade, the expansion of cooperation in renewable energy and the digital economy, and the rising importance of Azerbaijan in China's Belt and Road initiative.

Ilham Aliyev reiterated Azerbaijan's support for China's position on Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Xinjiang. Beyond commerce, he highlighted humanitarian exchanges, tourism, and cultural engagement as areas with strong prospects for growth.

In addition, Hajiyev mentioned that President Ilham Aliyev will hold extensive meetings with Chinese companies in various sectors. He also mentioned the potential for technological development, energy, renewables, and modern technologies in China-Azerbaijan cooperation.

The SCO summit showcases the group's growing weight as a forum for security, trade, and diplomacy across Eurasia. Notably, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi held direct talks with Xi Jinping, signaling a thaw in relations between the two neighbors often at odds over their Himalayan border.

Modi and Xi emphasized that border disputes should not define the overall relationship. Xi Jinping and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan also agreed to deepen cooperation and support each other's core interests.

Xi Jinping welcomed Ilham Aliyev and thanked him for attending the SCO Plus summit and anniversary ceremonies. Ilham Aliyev, in turn, thanked Xi Jinping for the invitation and congratulated China on the anniversary commemorations.

The Tianjin summit hosted around 20 world figures, including Russian President Vladimir Putin, making it a significant event in the global political landscape. As the SCO continues to evolve, it is poised to play an increasingly important role in shaping the future of Eurasia and the Global South.