Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping affirmed their countries' strategic alliance during a meeting on the sidelines of the SCO summit, according to Al Jazeera.
Key facts
- Putin and Xi met on the sidelines of the SCO summit, according to Al Jazeera.
- Al Jazeera reported the two leaders affirmed their strategic alliance.
- Al Jazeera described the meeting as taking place amid an 'unpredictable' world.
- The report was published by Al Jazeera on 31 August 2026.
Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping affirmed their strategic alliance during a meeting held on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit, according to Al Jazeera.
Al Jazeera reported that the two leaders affirmed ties between Russia and China, with the meeting framed against what the outlet described as an ‘unpredictable’ world.
Beyond confirming that the meeting took place on the margins of the SCO summit and that the two sides affirmed their alliance, further specific details of their discussions were not provided in the available reporting.
Why it matters
A reaffirmation of ties between Russia and China at a major regional summit is closely watched by international observers. The available reporting does not provide further detail on the substance of the leaders' discussions.
Frequently asked questions
Where did Putin and Xi meet?
According to Al Jazeera, the two leaders met on the sidelines of the SCO summit.
What did the two leaders affirm?
Al Jazeera reported that Putin and Xi affirmed their countries' strategic alliance and reaffirmed Russia-China ties.
When was the meeting reported?
The report was published by Al Jazeera on August 31, 2026.