Tianjin – Russian despot Vladimir Putin (72) is back on the big stage: at the rogue summit in China.
While bombs continue to fall in Ukraine, the dictator is being celebrated as a statesman in the port city of Tianjin. With a red carpet and military parade, China's ruler Xi Jinping (72) is staging the visit of his partner, who is ostracized in Europe. For Putin, it is one of his rare trips abroad and a propaganda success.
The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) is becoming a forum for despots and autocrats. Among them are Iran, Pakistan, and the Central Asian republics – states that are anything but democracies. In the middle of it all: Putin, the warmonger. In an interview with the Chinese state news agency Xinhua, he raves about building a"fairer multipolar world order." Meaning: The Kremlin leader wants to break the "power" of the West.
The alliance's meeting on Sunday and Monday is the largest since its founding in 2001. Iranian President Massoud Peseschkian and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan are also expected to attend.
The summit brings nothing but symbolism to the war in Ukraine. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi (74) spoke with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky (47) beforehand, speaking of"peace and stability." But Moscow is sending different signals. Russia's Chief of General Staff, Valery Gerasimov (69), announced new offensives. While Zelensky calls for a ceasefire, Putin is pushing for more war.
Economically, Moscow urgently needs the summit. The country is reeling from sanctions, and trade with China and other summit countries is vital to its survival. Putin is traveling with ministers, bankers, and energy executives, hoping for new agreements. Gazprom and major banks are expected to broker deals. A key goal: conducting future business in rubles and yuan to avoid the dollar.
Xi Jinping is staging the meeting as a show of power against the West. Putin's position at his side during the military parade is no coincidence. Iranian President Massoud Peseschkian (69) will also be courted at the show planned following the summit. And another dictator is expected: North Korean leader Kim Jong-un (41) is expected to attend the grand parade in the Chinese capital Beijing on Wednesday alongside the other despots.
But even within this circle of villains, Putin's support is not unlimited. Many participants are cautious and reserved toward Russia. Nevertheless, the message remains clear: China is rolling out the red carpet for Putin, Iran and North Korea are on his side—and the warmonger is using the summit to demonstrate his power.
