In a significant display of solidarity, Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi convened at a security summit in Tianjin, China. The leaders engaged in discussions that underscored their commitment to a multipolar world and addressed pressing global issues, including the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Their meetings highlighted a shared vision for international governance, positioning their nations as key players in shaping a new world order.
At the retreat, Xi Jinping took the opportunity to go after the United States in pointed fashion. He swatted back at what he described as “bullying practices.” He was particularly strong on the need for a more equitable global governance system, calling for the greater representation of developing countries. This rhetoric beautifully fits into Beijing’s long-time narrative against hegemonism and Cold War mentality. Different from the U.S.-led international order, Xi’s vision called for a joint effort—an approach that promotes multilateralism.
Putin is hardening his alliance with China. He commended China and India for their strong principled stance on the Ukraine Crisis. He wrote about his optimistic view of the peace process. This is happening amid condemnation of the ongoing war from much of the Western world. Modi underscored India’s firm backing for United Nations-led efforts to find peace in that conflict. He insisted on the necessity of obtaining a durable peace agreement.
Xi Jinping’s Vision for Global Governance
Beyond the rhetoric, notable was Xi Jinping’s theme-setting address to the Forum, where he introduced a new Global Governance Initiative. This new initiative further develops his previous work to secure, develop and civilize. He articulated his vision for a multipolar world where “the house rules of a few countries should not be imposed on others.” Instead of decoupling, he called for dismantling economic barriers and promoting integration.
In Xi, as one important feature of China’s new global governance framework that is “just and equitable.” He emphasized the need for collaboration among nations to ensure that all countries can participate in shaping international policies. His statements were clearly intended to usher in a new era of global leadership. Moseley wants to ditch that unilateralism in favor of something more collaborative.
“We should advocate an equal and orderly multipolar of the world, and a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization and make the global governance system more just and equitable.” – Xi Jinping
In his speech, Xi called on countries to talk with each other and seek common ground. He reiterated his call for cooperation between countries to develop a governance structure that’s in everyone’s interest.
“I look forward to working with all countries for a more just and equitable global governance system.” – Xi Jinping
Putin’s Stance on Ukraine and Security Cooperation
Vladimir Putin took the opportunity at the summit, as he always does, to reinforce his government’s lies about the war in Ukraine. He reiterated the importance of constant consultation with other countries about the crisis and praised recent overtures toward peace. Putin is eager to maintain lines of communication. He’ll have to steer a course through murky waters of international relations in the context of increased tensions.
Putin further lauded the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) as having set the foundation for a genuine security architecture across Eurasia. He painted this new structure as a needed break from old Eurocentric frameworks. Second, it puts the security interests of every state ahead of the interests of the United States. His vision is commendable but requires important corrections toward inclusivity and balance, especially in establishing security arrangements throughout the region.
“The new system would replace the outdated Eurocentric and Euro-Atlantic models, take into account the interests of the broadest possible range of countries, be truly balanced, and would not allow attempts by some states to ensure their security at the expense of others.” – Vladimir Putin
To top it all off, Putin intentionally shifted the focus onto global security issues. He further lamented on his previous diplomatic negotiations with former U.S. President Donald Trump, claiming those negotiations set the table for peace in Ukraine. Moreover, his remarks show potential desire from the new administration to return to diplomatic channels to address conflicts still brewing.
Modi’s Call for Peace and Cooperation
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s appearance at the summit was his first visit to China in nearly seven years. During bilateral discussions with Xi Jinping, he emphasized India’s steadfast commitment to supporting efforts aimed at resolving the conflict in Ukraine. Modi then went on to insist, as he has so often before, that India and Russia have always stood together in testing times.
Modi’s rhetoric framed India’s new role as a facilitator and peace promoter in global conflict. He, of course, added that continued conversation about Ukraine is necessary and helpful to everyone’s understanding as nations. His approach continues to build India’s status as an essential partner to America and the world in international diplomacy.
“India and Russia have always stood shoulder to shoulder even in the most difficult times.” – Narendra Modi
Modi seemed quite positive about the peace-building measures that have been undertaken recently. He agreed on the need for continued dialogue between countries in order to allow for resolution-making after conflict comes to a close.
“We have been in constant dialogue on the situation in Ukraine. We welcome all the recent efforts for peace.” – Narendra Modi
Xi, Putin, and Modi enjoyed a noteworthy personal chemistry. Underscoring all of this was the laughter and good will that pervaded their meetings, the closeness of their relationships. The exuberance and affection on display during these communications speaks to deep political connections. It shows a more profound cultural bond between the leaders.
