China and Xi, alongside Putin, assert strong presence as contenders for global leadership amidst presenting an alternative to current dominant powers.
Chinese leader Xi Jinping has hosted a significant diplomatic event this week, as the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit took place in Tianjin, China. The gathering, attended by 20 leaders from Asia and the Middle East, marked the first opportunity for Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin to meet since Putin's summit with former US President Donald Trump in Alaska earlier this month.
The SCO summit is a crucial platform for China and Russia to reaffirm their close partnership and to advocate for a global order that favors their influence. This year's summit is seen by Chinese officials as the largest yet, with the focus on highlighting China's global leadership and its strategic partnership with Russia.
In his address at the two-day summit, Xi Jinping pledged 2 billion yuan ($280 million) in grants to SCO member states this year. He also vowed to oppose "hegemonism," "Cold War mentality" and "bullying practices," without specifically naming any country. This stance is seen as a response to the actions of the United States under President Joe Biden, who has alarmed nations with his global trade war and withdrawal from international organizations and foreign aid. Beijing views the US as undermining the international order it worked to build, and sees an opportunity to ramp up its own vision as an alternative.
Xi Jinping and Putin were captured on camera engaging in animated discussions and displaying warm and relaxed demeanors towards each other during the summit. The two leaders were seen walking shoulder to shoulder after a group photo, with Xi gesturing for Putin to walk with him. This public display of camaraderie is a testament to the deep personal rapport between the Chinese leader and his Russian counterpart.
Another significant development announced at the summit is the establishment of a SCO Development Bank. The bank is intended to provide stronger underpinnings for security and economic cooperation among the bloc. This move is expected to strengthen the SCO's influence in the global economic arena.
Other SCO members include Iran, Pakistan, Belarus, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. Additionally, Turkmenistan, ASEAN, CIS, the Collective Security Treaty Organization, and the Eurasian Economic Union participate as guest attendees.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan were among the political heavyweights attending the summit. The summit is backed by both China and Russia, and is intended to rebalance global power in favor of China and Russia, at the expense of the US and its allies.
As the summit concludes, attention now turns to another significant event in Beijing. Xi Jinping is hosting a massive military parade on Wednesday, expected to be attended by Putin, Kim Jong Un, and other leaders. This parade is a demonstration of China's military might and its growing global influence.
Meanwhile, Moscow's forces conducted their second largest aerial attack on Ukraine just last week, raising tensions in the region. The SCO summit, therefore, takes on added significance as a platform for regional diplomacy and cooperation.
In conclusion, the SCO summit in Tianjin is a significant diplomatic event that underscores the growing influence of China and Russia on the global stage. The summit serves as a platform for the two powers to reaffirm their close partnership, advocate for their vision of global order, and engage in regional diplomacy. As the world grapples with the complexities of geopolitics, the SCO summit offers a glimpse into the future of international relations.
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