TIANJIN, China, Sept 1 – During a high-profile summit in the Chinese port city of Tianjin, President Xi Jinping outlined his ambition for reshaping the global order with a stronger focus on the Global South. The event gathered over 20 international leaders, with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi among the most prominent participants, signaling a united front that challenges the dominance of the U.S-driven system in global affairs.
Xi urged nations to resist what he described as hegemonism and power politics, calling instead for “true multilateralism.” Though he did not directly name Washington, the message was widely understood as a rebuke of U.S. trade measures, especially trump’s tariff policies. “Global governance has reached a new crossroads,” Xi said, underscoring that non-Western countries now had both the opportunity and responsibility to shape international frameworks.
A Summit of Symbolism and Strategy
The summit was organized under the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), a China-backed initiative formed over two decades ago with China, Russia, and Central Asian states as founding members. India, which joined in 2017, has since played an increasingly prominent role within the group. The SCO, though little known in much of the West, has grown into a platform that Beijing uses to promote regional cooperation and amplify its influence.
The summit in Tianjin was carefully staged to project a strong sense of unity. Ahead of the summit’s formal opening, Xi greeted Putin and Modi as they walked together, laughing and holding hands in a scene that quickly spread across global media. Commentators suggested the moment symbolized a clear counterbalance to U.S. attempts to pressure these nations economically or politically.
Following the summit, Modi and Putin held a bilateral meeting, with the Indian leader sharing a ride in Putin’s Aurus limousine. Modi later remarked on the constructive nature of his talks with the Russian president, describing their conversations as “always insightful.” In their exchange, Putin warmly addressed Modi as both a prime minister and a “dear friend,” highlighting the personal rapport between the two leaders.
Energy ties were another unspoken backdrop to the gathering. Both China and India are among the largest importers of Russian crude oil, making their relationship with Moscow critical as global energy markets face volatility. This economic bond has only deepened as Russia has looked eastward for partners in the wake of the Ukraine conflict.
During the summit, Xi laid out what he termed his “Global Governance Initiative,” though without providing a detailed roadmap. The framework, like earlier Beijing-led proposals, is designed to expand China’s leadership role in shaping institutions and rules that stand as alternatives to Western-dominated structures established after World War II.
Xi also spoke about the need for a more inclusive model of globalization, particularly as trade disputes and tariffs disrupt traditional markets. He highlighted the SCO’s vast market potential, calling it a driver of economic opportunity for its members.
Putin, in his remarks, praised the organization as an example of “genuine multilateralism.” He noted that member states were increasingly turning to national currencies in trade settlements, which he argued laid the foundation for a “new system of stability and security in Eurasia.” According to him, unlike Euro-Atlantic structures, this system would ensure balance and avoid scenarios where one country secures its interests at the expense of others.
Among Xi’s key announcements was a proposal for the creation of a new SCO development bank, an idea long discussed within the bloc. Such an institution would represent a significant step toward building alternative financial networks that reduce dependence on the American currency and lessen vulnerability to sanctions imposed by Western nations. To support these ambitions, Beijing pledged 2 billion yuan (around $280 million) in free aid for member states this year, along with an additional 10 billion yuan in loans through an SCO banking consortium.
Looking to future technologies, Xi announced plans to establish an artificial intelligence cooperation center for SCO members. He further encouraged member states to join China’s lunar research program, linking space exploration with wider strategic cooperation. These moves reflect China’s effort to intertwine economic, technological, and geopolitical cooperation into a single vision for the bloc.
For Beijing, the summit was not only about global ambition but also about regional diplomacy. Xi and Modi held a meeting on the sidelines where both leaders described their countries as “development partners, not rivals.” It was Modi’s first visit to China in seven years, and the discussions reportedly focused on improving trade and reducing tensions that have periodically strained relations.
Xi is set to host a major military parade in Beijing to mark the 80th anniversary of Japan’s surrender in World War II. The event, where Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un are expected to attend, will showcase China’s latest military technologies. Analysts say the display is intended as both a commemoration and a demonstration of power, aimed at deterring rivals and reassuring allies.