Overview

• Putin reached Tianjin for the SCO gathering of more than 20 leaders, including Xi, Modi and Erdogan, and is scheduled to attend Beijing’s September 3 military parade.
• In a lengthy Xinhua interview, he said Russia–China economic ties are at an unprecedented level, citing roughly $100 billion in trade growth since 2021.
• He detailed energy plans, noting Power of Siberia deliveries have surpassed 100 billion cubic meters since 2019 and a Far East gas route is planned for 2027, alongside Arctic LNG cooperation.
• He promoted a “Majority Global” vision and urged UN Security Council reform to add representation from Asia, Africa and Latin America.
• Planned bilaterals include Xi, Modi and Erdogan, a possible meeting with Kim Jong-un is being arranged, and RIA Novosti cited a Turkish diplomatic source saying Erdogan could offer Ukraine mediation.