Categories: Pakistan

PM Shehbaz Sharif Left Red-Faced as Xi Jinping Walks Past Him at SCO Summit

During the SCO summit, PM Modi and Xi discussed terrorism and strained India-China relations. Meanwhile, Shehbaz Sharif’s visible sidelining underscored Pakistan’s diplomatic isolation as leaders focused on cooperation and security, hinting at tougher stances on terrorism.

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Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif attended the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit in Tianjin, China. Pakistan's PM was apparently sidelined by the Chinese President Xi Jinping during the event. On the first day, when Xi was seen walking with the Russian President Vladimir Putin for the customary group photo, he seemingly left Shehbaz standing apart. 

The visuals showcased Sharif watching as Chinese President Jinping is engaged in a conversation with Russian President Putin and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

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At the end of the day, the global leaders gathered for a 'family photo'. PM Modi was placed in the front row with Putin and Xi, who were positioned in the centre. However, Sharif was also in the front row, but there were at least eight leaders between him and the trio. 

Modi-Xi Bilateral Meeting

PM Modi and Xi Jinping held a 55-minute bilateral meeting, which was covered by China Daily. As per Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, 'the issue of cross-border terrorism was mentioned by PM Modi as a priority'.

PM Modi further emphasized cooperation between India and China in tackling terrorism. He noted that both nations are victims of it. The two leaders also discussed rebuilding ties strained due to the four-year-long standoff on eastern Ladakh, which ended in October 2024.

Published by Drishya Madhur