The SCO summit 2025 opened in Tianjin, where Chinese President Xi Jinping declared that the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation now carries “greater responsibility” for safeguarding peace and stability in the region. Addressing nearly 20 world leaders, Xi urged unity, cooperation, and a renewed commitment to prosperity among member states.
Building Consensus Among Members
Xi emphasized that the SCO must focus on building consensus among all parties. He said that only through dialogue and shared vision could the organization stimulate new momentum in cooperation. Speaking at the banquet on Sunday evening, Xi called on leaders to work collectively to strengthen mutual trust and address security challenges.
He described the SCO as more than a regional grouping, portraying it as a crucial platform for countries seeking balanced development and independent policymaking.
High-Profile Attendance
This year’s summit drew global attention due to the high-profile attendance of leaders from across Asia and beyond. Among the most notable figures was Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, making his first visit to China since 2018. His attendance came after years of strained relations following a 2020 clash between Indian and Chinese troops along the Himalayan border.
Russian President Vladimir Putin also attended, despite an arrest warrant issued against him by the International Criminal Court (ICC) in 2023. China, not being a party to the Rome Statute, does not recognize the ICC’s jurisdiction, allowing Putin to participate freely in the summit.
Xi personally welcomed Putin to the gathering, underscoring the strong ties between Beijing and Moscow. Their presence highlighted the SCO’s role as a platform for leaders often at odds with Western institutions.
Alternative to Western Alliances
China and Russia have frequently presented the SCO as an alternative to Western alliances, particularly NATO. The grouping brings together major powers and emerging economies from across the region, offering a counterbalance to Western influence.
This year’s summit comes at a sensitive time. With Donald Trump back in the White House for a second term since January 2025, his renewed tariffs and tough trade policies have unsettled global markets. Against this backdrop, the SCO summit projects an image of Global South solidarity and independence.
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Xi’s Vision for Peace and Stability
Xi Jinping’s message centered on peace, stability, and shared prosperity. He said the SCO had grown into an organization that not only promotes economic development but also ensures security cooperation. According to him, the responsibility to safeguard peace now weighs heavier due to ongoing conflicts worldwide.
He called on members to resist external pressures and instead focus on regional solutions to regional problems. His remarks reflected China’s broader foreign policy stance of advocating multipolarity in international relations.
India-China Dialogue
One of the most anticipated aspects of the summit was the meeting between Xi Jinping and Narendra Modi. The two leaders pledged to resolve their border issues and strengthen cooperation across sectors. Modi noted that relations with China had moved in a “meaningful direction,” and he emphasized that disengagement along the border had created a more peaceful environment.
Their engagement signals a thaw in relations after years of tension, although deep-rooted differences remain. Still, both sides acknowledged the need for improved dialogue to prevent future clashes and to focus on economic cooperation.
Putin’s Presence and Symbolism
Vladimir Putin’s presence at the SCO summit carried significant symbolism. Despite facing Western isolation and sanctions over the war in Ukraine, Putin continues to maintain strong ties with China and other SCO members. His participation demonstrates the SCO’s ability to provide a diplomatic stage for leaders sidelined by the West.
China’s refusal to recognize the ICC’s authority reinforced its commitment to supporting its partners without external interference. The optics of Xi welcoming Putin warmly at the summit also highlighted the strength of the China-Russia relationship.
Global South Solidarity
The SCO summit also served as a reminder of the growing importance of the Global South in world affairs. Leaders emphasized cooperation, mutual respect, and development without interference from outside powers. Xi and other speakers described the organization as a pillar of stability in an increasingly divided global order.
By presenting a united front, SCO leaders sought to position their countries as advocates of peace, fairness, and multipolar cooperation. The summit underscored that global leadership is no longer confined to traditional Western powers.
A Gathering of Strategic Importance
The timing of the SCO summit 2025 makes it strategically significant. With multiple global conflicts, economic uncertainty, and shifting alliances, the gathering provided a platform for dialogue outside the influence of Western institutions.
By stressing shared responsibility and urging stronger cooperation, Xi Jinping framed the SCO as an organization capable of addressing global challenges. From border disputes to trade disruptions, the summit called on members to find common ground and advance regional stability.
Looking Forward
As the summit continues, expectations remain high for concrete steps toward deeper collaboration. With China, Russia, India, and other members reaffirming their commitment to peace and prosperity, the SCO faces the challenge of turning rhetoric into action.
The world will closely watch how the organization translates its shared vision into policies that promote security, economic growth, and balanced international relations.
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