Leaders from China, Russia, India, Iran, and other countries gathered in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, on Monday for a two-day summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), highlighting China’s growing geopolitical influence amid ongoing global conflicts and economic challenges. The meeting, held from April 8 to 9, underscored China’s role as a key supporter of states facing Western sanctions and diplomatic isolation.

Chinese President Xi Jinping’s arrival at the summit reinforced Beijing’s position as a central power broker in Eurasian affairs, particularly in sustaining Russia and Iran economically and politically. Both Moscow and Tehran have relied heavily on Chinese trade and economic engagement to offset the impact of Western sanctions related to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and Iran’s standoff with the United States. The SCO, initially formed with Russia, China, and Central Asian states, has expanded in recent years to include India, Pakistan, Belarus, and Iran, further reflecting its role as an alternative to Western-led coalitions.

The summit occurred alongside a meeting of Group of 20 finance ministers in Asheville, North Carolina, illustrating contrasting international approaches to pressing global issues such as inflation and geopolitical instability triggered by two ongoing wars. While Western nations focus on maintaining economic pressure against Russia and Iran, China has leveraged its status as the world’s largest importer of crude oil and exporter of consumer goods to provide economic lifelines and maintain bilateral ties.

At the summit, President Xi met with Russian President Vladimir Putin, with both leaders emphasizing growing cooperation, including proposals to make permanent the visa-free travel arrangement between the two countries. Putin also highlighted increased Arctic cooperation, noting the recent passage of a Chinese container ship through the Northern Sea Route. This meeting demonstrated the deepening partnership between Beijing and Moscow amid continuing conflict in Ukraine.

However, analysts note limits to China’s support for Moscow and Tehran. Despite expanding its strategic reach, Beijing has avoided direct military involvement in conflicts affecting SCO members. Instead, China calls for dialogue and peaceful resolution while enhancing trade ties and technology transfers that may indirectly support wartime capabilities. The summit was viewed as an opportunity for Xi to present himself as a leader of non-Western nations, pushing back against what he terms U.S. hegemony, while managing the delicate timing of his upcoming visit to Washington.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian also attended the summit, reflecting Tehran’s recent entry into the SCO in 2023. Iran has increasingly relied on Central Asian routes for imports and payment systems to circumvent U.S. blockades, while also supplying Russia with drone technology since the onset of the Ukraine war.

India, Kazakhstan, and Belarus are among the countries facilitating shipments of gasoline and crude to Russia, helping Moscow adapt to Western sanctions targeting its energy sector. India, in particular, has become a significant buyer of Russian oil despite international pressure, with China remaining the largest importer of both Russian and Iranian crude.

The summit in Kyrgyzstan, a former Soviet republic traditionally within Russia’s sphere, also highlighted China’s expanding influence in Central Asia, signaling a regional shift in power dynamics. Looking ahead, President Xi’s forthcoming visits to Egypt, India, and the United States aim to reinforce his image as a global statesman at a time when U.S. diplomacy faces increasing challenges.

Former U.S. officials express skepticism about Washington’s ability to pressure China on issues such as Iran and North Korea, given the competing objectives of tightening sanctions and maintaining economic détente. The evolving interactions among these major powers at the SCO summit underscore the complexity of contemporary geopolitics amid ongoing global conflicts and shifting alliances.