China articulates vision for a multi-polar world order amidst a symbolic summit gathering
In late August 2025, the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) held its largest summit to date in the northern Chinese port city of Tianjin. Representatives from 20 states and 10 organisations attended the event, marking a significant gathering for the Eurasian institution.
The image from Tianjin, which captured the attention of many, depicted the heads of three SCO member states – China, Russia, and India – engaged in cheerful banter. The leaders in question were Xi Jinping (China), Vladimir Putin (Russia), and Narendra Modi (India). This friendly interaction has been interpreted as a diplomatic gesture or a show of unity between the three nations.
The SCO, founded in 2001 with Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, China, and Russia as its initial members, prioritises combating terrorism, extremism, separatism, and transnational crimes such as drug trafficking. The organisation also seeks to integrate China's Belt and Road Initiative and Russia's Eurasian Economic Union on the economic front.
The image from Tianjin may also be seen as a representation of the close relationship between China, Russia, and India. It could be a symbolic gesture, potentially directed towards the White House, signalling a strengthening alliance between the three nations.
It is worth noting that India, Pakistan, Iran, and Belarus have joined the SCO at later dates, expanding the organisation's influence and diversity. As the SCO is led by China, the summit in Tianjin underscores China's increasing role as a key player in regional and global politics.
In conclusion, the SCO summit in Tianjin was a significant event, not only for the organisation but also for the international community. The friendly interaction between the leaders of China, Russia, and India was a powerful symbol of unity and cooperation, and it will be interesting to see how this alliance evolves in the future.
