Tianjin, China – The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) seGcurity forum has concluded its summit in Tianjin, China, with a powerful display of regional solidarity and a strong emphasis on a new, multipolar world order. Chinese President Xi Jinping, who hosted the event, underscored the SCO’s “greater responsibility” in safeguarding regional peace, stability, and promoting the prosperity of its member states. The summit, attended by over 20 world leaders, including Russian President Vladimir Putin and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, served as a platform for high-level diplomatic engagements and a shared vision to counter “bullying behavior” in international affairs.
A Call for Fairness, and Justice in Global Affairs
In his address, President Xi Jinping called on the assembled leaders to “adhere to fairness and justice,” and to “oppose Cold War mentality, camp confrontation, and bullying behavior.” This statement was seen as a direct challenge to the American-led international order and a show of strength for the Global South. Xi asserted that the SCO has established a new model for international relations by unequivocally opposing external interference. He unveiled China’s ambition for a new global security framework that promotes multilateralism and constructive participation in international affairs.
Historic Thaw in India-China Relations
A significant highlight of the summit was the bilateral meeting between President Xi Jinping and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, marking Modi’s first visit to China in seven years. The two leaders pledged to resolve border differences and bolster cooperation. Modi noted that ties with China have moved in “a meaningful direction” and emphasized the “importance of peace and tranquillity on the border areas for continued development of bilateral relations.” Xi, in turn, stated that the two nations should “not let the border issue define the overall China-India relationship” and encouraged a focus on economic development. The meeting builds on a recent rapprochement that saw the two countries restart border talks and resume issuing visas and direct flights.
Putin Addresses Ukraine, and NATO Expansion
Russian President Vladimir Putin used the summit as a forum to discuss the conflict in Ukraine, stating that a sustainable peace would require the elimination of its root causes, including the eastward enlargement of NATO. Putin, who met with both President Xi and Prime Minister Modi, stated that a “fair balance in the security sphere” must be restored. He praised the efforts of China and India in facilitating a resolution to the crisis and noted that his recent understandings with U.S. President Donald Trump at a summit in Alaska have opened a path to peace. Both China and India continue to be major purchasers of Russian crude oil, despite additional tariffs imposed by the U.S.
Expanding Influence of the SCO
The SCO, which began as a six-member bloc, has expanded to include 10 permanent members and 16 affiliated countries. This growth underscores its increasing geopolitical relevance as an alternative to alliances like NATO. Notable attendees included Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif of Pakistan, who participated in the sessions alongside other regional leaders. The discussions also touched upon the critical role of the UN, with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres commending China’s “fundamental” role in upholding global multilateralism. The summit served to demonstrate a unified front among its members at a time of geopolitical turbulence and economic uncertainty. The SCO aims to continue its collaborative efforts to address security and development challenges facing the region.
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