Historic Gathering at the 25th Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit in Tianjin

The 25th Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit commenced today in Tianjin, China, bringing together leaders from 10 member states, including China, Russia, India, Iran, and Pakistan. This marks the largest gathering in the organization's history, underscoring its growing influence in regional and global affairs.

Established in 2001, the SCO has evolved from a regional security pact into a comprehensive alliance addressing political, economic, and cultural cooperation. The current summit focuses on strengthening regional collaboration in security, economic development, and cultural exchange. Key outcomes are anticipated to include the signing of the Tianjin Declaration and the approval of the SCO's development strategy for the next decade.

Chinese President Xi Jinping, hosting the summit, emphasized the importance of unity among member states. "The more complex and turbulent the international situation becomes, the more important it becomes for countries to strengthen unity and cooperation to promote common development," Xi stated. He also highlighted China's commitment to being a reliable partner in upholding peace, development, and global stability.

A significant development on the sidelines of the summit is the meeting between President Xi and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This marks Modi's first visit to China in seven years and signifies a cautious warming of Sino-Indian relations following previous border tensions. Both leaders aim to enhance cooperation amid rising U.S. pressure, especially after Washington recently imposed 50% tariffs on Indian goods due to New Delhi’s Russian oil imports. Discussions are expected to focus on trade, investment, connectivity, and border issues.

Russian President Vladimir Putin also arrived in Tianjin to participate in the summit, highlighting the significance of high-level diplomatic engagement within the SCO framework. Putin received a red-carpet welcome, underscoring the importance both nations place on their strategic alliance. Ahead of the summit, he criticized Western sanctions, reinforcing the shared opposition by Russia and China toward what they consider discriminatory trade practices.

The summit's agenda includes the adoption of a series of outcome documents on strengthening security, economic, and cultural cooperation, charting the course for the future development of the SCO. Additionally, leaders will issue statements marking the 80th anniversaries of the end of World War II and the founding of the United Nations, reflecting on historical milestones and their relevance to current global dynamics.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres, attending the summit, emphasized the critical role China plays in upholding multilateralism, especially at a time when such international cooperation is under strain. Guterres praised China as a key pillar of the global multilateral system and expressed appreciation for its consistent support.

The SCO's expansion and the high-level participation in the Tianjin summit reflect a concerted effort to promote a multipolar world order. The organization's member states collectively account for about 24% of the world's land area and 42% of the global population. This economic influence positions the SCO as a significant player in global affairs.

As the summit progresses, the international community will closely monitor the outcomes and their implications for regional and global dynamics. The SCO's commitment to fostering cooperation among its diverse member states underscores its role in shaping a more interconnected and multipolar world.