On the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Astana on Wednesday, Chinese President Xi Jinping expressed strong support for Russia's upcoming chairmanship of BRICS and stressed unity among the Global South during his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Astana on Wednesday, Xinhua reported.

Xi Jinping reportedly expressed China's backing for Russia's leadership in BRICS and stressed the importance of uniting the Global South amid growing geopolitical tensions.

The leaders further discussed enhancing strategic coordination to prevent a new Cold War and to safeguard regional stability, amid external pressures.

President Putin, on his part, affirmed Moscow's commitment to deepening cooperation with China, wherein both countries share a mutual opposition to external interference in regional affairs.

Read more: BRICS countries refrain from signing declaration at Swiss summit

Earlier in the day, an analysis by Sputnik revealed that in 2023, the BRICS countries collectively accounted for a historic 35.7% share of the global GDP in terms of purchasing power parity (PPP), marking an increase of 0.6 percentage points compared to the previous year. 

Conversely, the G7 nations saw their economic indicators decline to 29%, the lowest in 30 years, losing 0.4 percentage points year-on-year.

Ukraine Political Settlement

In addition to regional stability, Xi reaffirmed China's willingness to contribute to a political resolution of the conflict in Ukraine and other international crises through diplomatic means.

Putin, on his part, affirmed Moscow's support for Beijing in safeguarding its core interests and opposed external interference in matters concerning the South China Sea.

China was one of many countries that did not attend the Swiss peace summit last month.

On June 18, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said that "China’s position on the Ukraine issue is consistent and clear. China did not take part in the peace summit and will not comment on its joint communiqué."

The ministry further stated that China is prepared to work with Russia and the international community to implement collective and sustainable security.

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