Global Leaders Gather at Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Summit in Tianjin
Global Leaders Gather in Tianjin for Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Summit
Tianjin, China — In a significant display of international diplomacy, over 20 world leaders, including Russian President Vladimir Putin and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, are set to convene in Tianjin for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit this Sunday and Monday. This gathering marks a pivotal moment for the SCO, now recognized as the world’s largest regional grouping by population.
Founded in 2001 by China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan, the SCO has evolved from its initial focus on Central Asian issues to addressing broader global concerns. Eric Olander, editor-in-chief of the China-Global South Project, notes that the SCO has become a crucial component of China’s “parallel international governance architecture,” providing a platform for dialogue outside the traditional US-led international system.
A Forum for Dialogue Amidst Tensions
While the summit is largely symbolic, it offers a valuable opportunity for leaders to share common grievances, particularly in light of the ongoing trade tensions instigated by the United States. The summit’s attendees include a diverse array of leaders, from Putin, who faces war crimes charges, to Belarus’s Alexander Lukashenko and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.
The backdrop of the summit is marked by complex rivalries, including longstanding disputes between India and Pakistan, and tensions between India and China. Olander highlights the intricate dynamics at play, stating, “Underneath the happy family photo is a lot of looking over shoulders.”
The Rise of ‘Swing States’
The SCO has expanded its membership to include significant players like India, Pakistan, Iran, and Belarus, with Afghanistan and Mongolia participating as observers. The summit will also feature leaders from Southeast Asia, a region seen as pivotal in the great power competition between the US and China. Notable attendees include Malaysia’s Anwar Ibrahim and Indonesia’s Prabowo Subianto.
Analysts are particularly focused on the interactions between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Modi, who have not met in seven years. India, traditionally aligned with Washington, faces new challenges as it grapples with US tariffs on its Russian oil purchases. This situation has inadvertently fostered a thaw in relations between New Delhi and Beijing, which had soured following a deadly border clash in 2020.
Anticipating Outcomes
As the summit unfolds, observers will be keenly attuned to the language used by both Xi and Putin, especially in light of their recent “no limits partnership” established before Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Analysts predict that the summit will culminate in a joint statement emphasizing security, stability, and economic cooperation, albeit with watered-down language to accommodate all members.
Daniel Balazs from Singapore’s S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies suggests that the symbolism of achieving a joint statement may outweigh its content. “What I would expect is a very non-controversial statement to get everybody on board,” he said.
Looking Ahead
Following the summit, leaders will have a day in China before attending a military parade in Beijing on September 3, commemorating 80 years since the end of World War II in Asia. This additional day is expected to be crucial for bilateral meetings, with Olander emphasizing the importance of who meets whom during this time.
While Modi is not expected to stay for the parade, analysts suggest he may send a representative, highlighting the intricate web of diplomacy at play. The expansive guest list for both the summit and the parade serves to bolster China’s public image, showcasing its growing influence among nations in the Global South.
As the world watches, the SCO summit in Tianjin promises to be a significant chapter in the evolving narrative of global power dynamics.
