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

In China's Tianjin city, a significant gathering is happening. Chinese President Xi Jinping is hosting leaders from across Asia and the Middle East. This meeting is part of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), a group focused on regional security. Xi Jinping wants to show China as a strong and stable leader. This is especially important as the United States, led by President Donald Trump, is causing changes in global alliances and trade. The summit is a chance for Xi to highlight China's growing influence. Russian President Vladimir Putin is also attending. He praised the China-Russia partnership, calling it a "stabilizing force" for the world. Both countries want to create a world order that is not dominated by the United States. This summit gives Putin some international attention, especially after his recent meeting with Trump in Alaska. The SCO includes countries like India, Iran, Pakistan, and others. These countries have different political systems and rivalries. However, this diversity might actually help Xi's message. It shows that China can bring different countries together and manage their competition. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is attending, which adds importance to the guest list. Modi skipped last year's summit, but now he's there. This comes at a time when India's relations with the United States are not as strong, and India and China are trying to improve their own relations. The summit is not just about talks. There will also be a big military parade in Beijing. This parade will show off China's military strength. Leaders like Putin, Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian, and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will stay for the parade. The SCO was formed in 2001 with a focus on regional security. Over the years, it has grown in size and scope. Members work together on issues like counter-terrorism, education, trade, and energy. They also want a world order that is not led by a single superpower. However, the SCO has its challenges. There are doubts about its effectiveness in resolving conflicts. For example, it didn't play a big role in de-escalating a conflict between India and Pakistan earlier this year. Also, it hasn't issued a joint statement about the war in Ukraine. Despite these challenges, the SCO continues to grow. The inclusion of countries like Iran and Belarus shows its expanding influence. The summit in Tianjin is a chance for China to show its leadership and shape the future of the organization.