Beijing
Chinese President Xi Jinping used the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Tianjin to signal a shift in global power dynamics, presenting himself alongside Russian President Vladimir Putin and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The high-profile interactions highlighted Xi’s ambition to position China at the centre of a new geopolitical alignment that seeks to challenge Western dominance.
Symbolic display of unity
At the summit, Xi, Putin, and Modi shared warm gestures, including handshakes and moments of camaraderie that contrasted with their recent diplomatic tensions. Modi even joined Putin in an armoured limousine, a symbolic act that reinforced the visual message of unity among the three powers. These images were widely interpreted as a deliberate attempt to showcase an emerging axis of influence spanning Asia.
Xi’s governance initiative
Xi unveiled what he called a “Global Governance Initiative,” urging SCO members to resist hegemonism and Western “bullying.” He proposed greater cooperation among Asian powers and presented the bloc as an alternative voice for the Global South. His speech underlined China’s determination to reshape international systems in favour of a multipolar order.
Strategic cooperation
Putin and Xi reaffirmed their close ties, referring to each other as “old friends.” The two leaders expanded their cooperation through agreements on energy, infrastructure, and trade. Key announcements included progress on a new gas pipeline, visa-free travel between China and Russia, and financial commitments such as loans worth over USD 1.4 billion for SCO projects. China also offered access to its BeiDou satellite navigation system to member states.
Modi’s balancing act
For India, Modi’s engagement with Xi and Putin was seen as a calculated move. Facing growing friction with the United States over tariffs and defence imports from Russia, Modi’s cordial exchanges underscored India’s commitment to maintaining strategic autonomy. His presence in this trilateral setting signalled India’s desire to diversify its partnerships while retaining influence in both Western and Asian blocs.
Wider implications
Analysts see this summit as a pivotal moment in efforts to shape a multipolar world order. The SCO has long been viewed as a counterweight to Western alliances, but Xi’s strong embrace of both Putin and Modi elevated the bloc’s geopolitical significance. While critics caution that reshaping entrenched global institutions will be slow and complex, the symbolism of this summit was clear: China, Russia, and India intend to present themselves as a collective alternative to U.S.-led systems.
Conclusion
The Tianjin summit was more than a routine diplomatic gathering—it was a carefully choreographed demonstration of shifting global alliances. By embracing both Putin and Modi, Xi Jinping sought to place China at the centre of an emerging coalition that challenges Western hegemony and asserts Asia’s rising influence in world affairs.