The next, that of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), is to be hosted by Tianjin, a city famous for its delicacies, culture and architecture located in northern China. This meeting marks an important opportunity. The SCO has now added to its breadth by becoming the world’s largest regional grouping, by population, unifying countries with radically different interests. The summit will host over 20 world leaders, including Russian President Vladimir Putin and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, as they gather to discuss pressing global issues and regional cooperation.
The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) was established in 2001 by China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. Throughout the decade, the group doggedly increased its membership. It now includes 14 official “dialogue partners,” such as the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, Qatar, Cambodia, Myanmar, and Sri Lanka. At this moment, the world is faced with intensifying strains in the realm of trade, investment, and overall economic security. This summit presents leaders with a unique opportunity to address their shared complaints about US-led initiatives.
Recent Developments and Historical Context
While the focus will invariably remain on Central Asia, the SCO summit marks a new chapter that expands the aperture to global challenges and opportunities. The Defence Ministers’ Meeting held in Qingdao on June 26, 2025, illustrated the group’s commitment to regional security. All four key officials were present in the meeting, namely, Chinese Defence Minister Dong Jun and Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. They were followed by their mirror delegations from Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, and Russia. From our discussions, it was clear how vital collaborative efforts are to addressing critical security concerns.
In recent years, India and China’s uneasy relationship marked by suspicion and tension continues to boil over. Yet despite both countries’ differences, they have come to an agreement based on their mutual worry over US tariffs and economic duress. These changing geopolitical trends offer a chance for a needed bilateral conversation, namely that between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Especially so since the two leaders have not met in seven years, with any possible meeting at the summit sure to be closely watched.
“Who will meet who on the second of September – that’s something to pay attention to,” – Eric Olander
The SCO summit is a tangible forum for dialogue and represents this evolution of the geopolitical narrative. Balazs underscores that the conversation will focus on “security and stability,” economic cooperation, and multilateralism. Those conversations need to happen and soon. Their ambition is to spur the kind of cooperation that the gravitational pull of the US-led international order does not allow.
Dialogue Beyond Borders
The SCO has created a distinct platform for its member states to vocalize their views on the future of global governance. The summit will allow leaders to share their views on US tariffs and economic strategies that have impacted their economies. This forum is essential for building consensus among countries that would otherwise be hostile to one another.
While the expected joint statement from the summit is still symbolic, Balazs notes that “the symbolism of actually achieving a joint statement is more important than the content of the statement itself.” This contrast shows us the overwhelming need for solidarity among member nations and indeed their determination to work together to achieve that. Under this facade of collaboration is a current of wariness.
“Underneath the happy family photo is a lot of looking over shoulders,” – Eric Olander
Such sentiments are perhaps revealing of the underlying tensions still at play between member states. And as leaders head into one-on-one meetings likely on September 2nd, those results will be watched with great interest. The possible meeting between Xi Jinping and Modi, if it happens, would certainly set the tone of their future relationship.
“The key is to look at how China [characterises] its relationship with India after the visit and how the relationship improves between China and India,” – Claus Soong
Looking Ahead: The Military Parade
Following the conclusion of the SCO summit, Tianjin is preparing for a large scale military parade. This event, happening on September 3, will mark 80 years since the end of World War II in Asia. This year’s event will feature some heavy hitters. Among those impressive company are North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un and Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic. Photos from the military parade reveal China’s attempts to not only self-promote its military capabilities, but build relationships with countries allied to the West.
The SCO summit and China’s military parade are a jarring juxtaposition. This puts China’s strategic narrative to the test as it seeks to bolster its position globally. Claus Soong points out that “this is how China demonstrates its friend circle – who can be China’s friend and who is willing to endorse China’s narrative.” This view underlines the benefits of seeking influential alliances to help determine China’s international narrative.
