The two-day Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit has commenced in Tianjin, China today, marking an unprecedented gathering from August 31 to September 1. Hosted by Chinese President Xi Jinping, this summit is happening amidst significant geopolitical tensions and trade wars globally.
With pressing issues such as the American tariff disputes, the Ukraine war, and continued conflicts in the Middle East, this summit gains essential importance.
This occasion marks the first-time hosting in China since 2018, featuring participation from over 20 heads of state and leaders from 10 international organizations, including:
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi
Russian President Vladimir Putin
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian
Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif
UN Secretary-General António Guterres
ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim
Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto
Vietnamese Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính
Additionally, leaders from Cambodia, Laos, and Myanmar are also present.
The Journey of SCO: From 2001 to Present
Initiated in 2001, the SCO was formerly known as the "Shanghai Five," established in the 1990s by China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan to resolve border disputes and build mutual trust.
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Today, SCO comprises 10 full members, including Uzbekistan, India, Pakistan, Iran, and the newly added Belarus. Afghanistan and Mongolia hold observer status, while 14 countries, including Türkiye, Sri Lanka, Cambodia, and Myanmar, are dialogue partners. The population of member countries comprises about 42% of the world's population and accounts for 25% of global GDP.
India-China Relations and Modi's Visit
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to China is his first since 2018. While relations between the two countries have been tense, recent diplomatic efforts show signs of easing tensions. After the US government refused to lower tariffs with India, India redefined its diplomatic balance, enhancing the significance of PM Modi's visit. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, who recently visited India, emphasized that India and China should see each other as partners, not rivals.
India-Pakistan Clashes and Tensions in SCO
During the SCO defense meeting in June 2024, India refused to sign a joint statement prioritizing Pakistan without mentioning the April 22 Pahalgam attack on tourists in Kashmir, worsening India-Pakistan relations. In response, India launched Operation 'Sindoor' in Pakistan, allegedly supported by Chinese intelligence. Despite Pakistan's use of Chinese weapons against India, India and China are willing to engage in dialogue, indicating the SCO's expanding membership and partnership toward a multipolar world order.
SCO Summit Agenda
The SCO typically focuses on security, counter-terrorism, trade, and energy cooperation, while the current situation includes discussions on the Ukraine conflict, Iran-Israel tensions, and increasing tariff disputes with the US. The summit occurs as US-Russia tensions intensify.
Also, Read: Will Modi and Xi Meet at the SCO Summit to Ease India-China Tensions?
Recently, Putin and Trump met in Alaska without achieving significant outcomes. Meanwhile, China advocates peaceful conflict resolutions, but Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy refuses to consider China as a security guarantor. While PM Modi is in China, he has already discussed Ukraine with Zelenskyy and plans to address the issue with Russia during his visit.
Platform to Counter Western Influence
Experts suggest that SCO is emerging as a counter to Western structures like NATO and G7. Countries like Russia, China, Iran, and India utilize it to balance Western influence. Former President Donald Trump has expressed discontent with the organization, which often discusses de-dollarization. Although India has distanced itself from this agenda, the issue remains part of ongoing discussions.
Post-SCO Summit Military Parade in China
Following the SCO summit, China will host a grand military parade in Tianjin on Wednesday, September 3, commemorating the 80th anniversary of Japan's defeat in World War II. Some leaders from the SCO summit, including North Korea's Kim Jong-un, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, will attend.
