Russia and China Meet at BRICS Summit

Russia's President Vladimir Putin rolled out a warm welcome for China's Xi Jinping in Kazan, Russia, as the BRICS summit kicked off on Tuesday, October 22, 2024. The summit, which includes Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, aims to boost cooperation among developing nations under the theme "Strengthening multilateralism for equitable global development and security. " The Kremlin has scheduled this event to showcase Putin's global leadership, despite facing international isolation and sanctions over Ukraine. Putin and Xi held a joint press conference, where Putin dubbed Xi his "dear friend. " He noted that their countries' relationship serves as a model for modern international ties, emphasizing equality and mutual benefits. Both leaders emphasized their strong bond amid global shifts, with Xi mentioning a "tectonic transformation" in international relations. However, neither leader mentioned the democratic pressure they face. This year marks the third meeting between Putin and Xi, illustrating the growing alliance between their countries. Their first meeting in 2024 occurred in May when Xi hosted Putin in China, followed by another encounter in July at a Eurasian security summit.