Tianjin, China – Chinese President Xi Jinping today called on leaders of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) to unite against what he described as a “Cold War mentality” and to work towards a more just and equitable global governance system. Speaking at the SCO summit in Tianjin, President Xi emphasized the bloc’s role as a counter-narrative to the Western-led international order and pledged significant financial aid to member states.
A Call for a Multipolar World
In his address, President Xi highlighted the complex security and development challenges facing a world he characterized as “chaotic and intertwined.” He urged the 10 member states to continue practicing the “Shanghai spirit,” a philosophy of mutual trust and benefit, to navigate global turbulence. Xi’s vision for the future includes “equal and orderly multipolarization,” a concept he believes will lead to a global system that is more just and equitable.
To bolster this vision, President Xi announced a pledge of 2 billion yuan ($280 million) in aid to member states this year, alongside an additional 10 billion yuan ($1.4 billion) in loans for an SCO banking consortium. He stressed the importance of leveraging the bloc’s collective market scale to improve trade and investment facilitation among members.
Key Leaders, and Security Discussions
The two-day summit drew a high-profile attendance, including Russian President Vladimir Putin, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. The presence of such a diverse group underscores the SCO’s growing influence on the world stage.
During the summit, Russian President Putin defended Moscow’s actions in Ukraine, stating that the crisis was a result of a Western-backed coup and continuous attempts to draw Ukraine into NATO. Putin advocated for a “fair balance in the security sphere” as a prerequisite for lasting peace.
Leaders were seen engaging in bilateral meetings and informal conversations, with President Xi, President Putin, and Prime Minister Modi pictured in discussions. A notable moment was a face-to-face meeting between Putin and Modi, which took place in the Russian president’s armored vehicle before their official bilateral talks.
SCO’s Growing Influence
Established in 2001, the SCO has expanded from its original six Eurasian nations to include 10 permanent members and 16 observer and dialogue partners, solidifying its role as a key security and economic bloc. Analysts note that China is using the summit to promote an alternative global order and to strengthen ties with India amid a shifting geopolitical landscape.
The SCO summit serves as a platform for member states to address shared security challenges, foster economic cooperation, and present a united front on international issues, reinforcing its position as a significant force in the evolving global power dynamic.
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