China's Big Meeting: Friends, Foes, and Global Power Plays

Chinese President Xi Jinping is leading a significant gathering in Tianjin city, hosting leaders from Asia and the Middle East as part of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO).

China's Global Influence

Xi Jinping aims to present China as a strong and stable leader, especially amid global shifts caused by the United States under President Donald Trump. The summit underscores China's growing influence.

Russia's Partnership

Russian President Vladimir Putin attended, praising the China-Russia partnership as a "stabilizing force" for the world. Both nations seek a world order not dominated by the United States.

Diverse Membership

The SCO includes India, Iran, Pakistan, and others, with varying political systems and rivalries. This diversity strengthens Xi's message, showcasing China's ability to unite different nations.

India's Participation

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is attending, adding weight to the guest list. His presence comes as India-US relations weaken and India-China relations improve.

Military Parade

The summit includes a military parade in Beijing, displaying China's military strength. Leaders like Putin, Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian, and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will attend.

SCO's Evolution

Founded in 2001, the SCO focuses on regional security, expanding to include counter-terrorism, education, trade, and energy. Members advocate for a multi-polar world order.

Challenges

The SCO faces effectiveness concerns, such as its limited role in India-Pakistan conflicts and its silence on the Ukraine war. Despite this, it continues to grow, with Iran and Belarus joining.

Conclusion

The Tianjin summit is a platform for China to demonstrate leadership and shape the future of the SCO.