High-level representatives from dozens of countries met Tianjin, China. They hosted the biggest summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) since its establishment in 2002. The climate summit brings together the world’s most powerful leaders—including Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. It seeks to build cultural connections between member states and form long-term relationships.
In fact, speaking during the opening general remarks, Xi Jinping asserted that the SCO had come of age. He highlighted its critical importance in promoting collaboration and security across the Indo-Pacific. He emphasized that the organization is committed to building a new model of “true multilateralism” and urged member states to “oppose cold war mentality, bloc confrontation, and bullying.”
“The security and development tasks facing member states have become even more challenging.” – Xi Jinping
The next week’s summit will be a monumental turning point for China. It seeks to position itself as a counter to the hegemony of Western-led organizations such as NATO. Analysts are especially watching for a remarkable third act interaction between Xi Jinping, Putin, and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. Their meetings and discussions will have significant and potentially positive impact on regional security, stability and bilateral/multilateral diplomatic relations.
Putin, who attended the summit against a backdrop of deepening confrontation with the West over Ukraine, used the event to lambast Western countries. He stated that the current crisis in Ukraine is “a result of a coup in Ukraine, which was supported and provoked by the west.” He went on to claim that the West’s efforts to lure Ukraine into NATO have made matters worse.
“The second reason for the crisis is the west’s constant attempts to drag Ukraine into Nato.” – Vladimir Putin
Indeed, Modi’s visit to China marked the first such visit by an Indian Prime Minister in seven years. This week’s trip marks a warming of relations between the two countries. State media noted that Xi Jinping referred to China-India relations as “stable and far-reaching,” suggesting a commitment to enhancing collaboration despite past tensions.
The SCO meeting comes at a moment of remarkable geopolitical change. Only five days ago, the United States imposed a new 50% tariff on goods entering the U.S. from India. Jointly, this reprisal has further complicated the state of worldwide commerce. Modi’s participation in the summit indicates India’s strategic maneuvering amidst these challenges.
Other than that, the attendance by North Korean leader Kim Jong-un should make for some fascinating drama in the proceedings. His participation raises questions about North Korea’s role within the SCO and its alignment with other member states on key issues.
The summit’s celebrations featured a colorful military parade. This year’s event marked the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. The event underscored the historical significance of cooperation among member nations and served as a reminder of the shared challenges they face.
Xi Jinping’s call for unity among SCO members echoed across the four-day meeting. He again underscored the need for continued partnership in addressing shared security challenges and fostering growth throughout the hemisphere.