Thu Jun 26 20:22:00 UTC 2025: **Summary:**

Defense ministers from China, Russia, and Iran convened in Qingdao, China, for a Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) meeting amidst global tensions. The meeting took place against the backdrop of a fragile ceasefire between Israel and Iran, and a NATO summit where members pledged to increase military spending. China is positioning the SCO as a counterweight to Western power, while Russia criticized worsening global tensions. The meeting comes as Beijing attempts to appear neutral in the Russia-Ukraine war, despite Western nations stating otherwise. India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh refused to sign the joint SCO statement as concerns on terror were not addressed.

**News Article:**

**SCO Meeting in China Highlights East-West Divide Amidst Global Tensions**

*Qingdao, China -* Defense ministers from China, Russia, and Iran met in Qingdao, China on Thursday, June 26, 2025, for a Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Defence Ministers’ Meeting, underscoring a potential East-West divide in global geopolitics. The meeting occurred against a tense backdrop, including a fragile ceasefire between Israel and Iran, and a NATO summit where members committed to increasing military spending under pressure from the U.S.

China, the host nation, has long promoted the SCO as a counterbalance to Western-led blocs, emphasizing collaboration among member states across various sectors. Chinese Defence Minister Dong Jun framed the meeting as a response to a world “marked by intertwined turmoil and changes.”

Russian Defence Minister Andrei Belousov delivered a grim assessment of the global situation, citing “worsening geopolitical tensions.” Russia also assured India of timely delivery of the S-400 air defence system.

Adding another layer of complexity, the meeting coincides with ongoing scrutiny of China’s relationship with Russia amidst the war in Ukraine. While Beijing asserts neutrality, Western governments argue that China provides crucial support to Moscow.

Notably, India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh declined to sign the joint SCO statement, citing unresolved concerns about terrorism.

The SCO meeting highlights the increasing polarization in international relations and China’s growing ambition to play a more prominent role in shaping the global order.

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