Partners called upon by China to unite in countering "power politics"
Headline: SCO Summit: Leaders Emphasize Peace, Unity, and Economic Cooperation
In the midst of global changes and instability, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) under the leadership of Chinese President Xi Jinping is emphasizing its role in maintaining peace and stability in the region. The 24-year-old organization, established to combat terrorism and promote economic cooperation, recently held its summit in Tianjin, China.
The summit brought together leaders from various countries, including Russian President Vladimir Putin, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Chinese President Xi Jinping himself. Bilateral negotiations between Modi and Putin, as well as Putin and Chinese officials, were part of the broader context of the SCO, which includes countries such as China, Russia, India, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Iran, Belarus, and, intriguingly, Turkey.
The SCO now comprises ten states, with a combined annual economic output of nearly $30 trillion (€25.6 trillion). Notable achievements of the organization include cooperation against terrorism and industrial investments.
During the summit, Xi Jinping called for unity among SCO members, stressing the organization's responsibility for peace, stability, development, and prosperity in the region. He also urged the rejection of a Cold War mentality, bloc confrontations, and bullying. In line with this, China pledged 2 billion yuan (around €239.5 million) in aid for SCO members.
Russian President Vladimir Putin and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi were seen walking hand in hand through the conference hall, a symbol of the growing camaraderie between the two nations. Modi's visit to China - the first in seven years - is seen as an approximation to Beijing, due in part to the tariff dispute with the U.S.
Meanwhile, Xi and Putin have long advocated for a "multipolar world order," a world order not dominated by the U.S. Putin's extended stay in China suggests a deepening of Russian-Chinese relations, beyond the SCO context, as he will remain in China for several days to attend a military parade in Beijing on Wednesday to mark the 80th anniversary of the victory over Japan in World War II, alongside North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.
However, the U.S. has not been entirely left out of the SCO discussions. Washington justified tariffs on imports from India, in part, by citing India's oil deals with Russia, which are seen as filling Moscow's coffers for the war in Ukraine.
In private meetings, Modi and Xi discussed increased state cooperation and a long-standing border conflict. China, in its pursuit of influence in the Global South, has been courting more influence through initiatives like the "New Silk Road," presenting itself as an alternative to Western partners like the U.S. or the European Union.
As the SCO continues to evolve, its role in global politics and economic cooperation remains a significant factor to watch.
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