International Gathering Labeled as 'Axis of Disruption'; Such Designation Seems Fitting Upon Examination of Attendees List

China Hosts Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Summit Amidst Global Tensions

The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit is set to take place this week in Beijing, with leaders from significant and disruptive nations convening to discuss various global issues. One of the key focuses of the summit is expected to be the war in Ukraine and Trump's efforts to forge peace.

China has consistently presented itself as neutral on the Ukraine conflict, but it has an interest in the war coming to an end. However, China does not want to see any outcome that leaves Russian President Vladimir Putin looking weak or American President Donald Trump looking successful. China has been an economic lifeline for Putin's war effort in Ukraine.

The war in Ukraine is seen as a good distraction for America by China, as it keeps Trump occupied and less focused on China. China is more than happy to welcome those that Trump pushes away. This is evident in the attendance of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un at the SCO Summit, marking the first time a North Korean leader has attended a multilateral event of this size.

The US-India relationship has soured dramatically, with Trump imposing 50% tariffs on Indian goods and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi reportedly furious at Trump's handling of tensions with Pakistan. Modi's presence at the SCO Summit is a remarkable coup for Chinese President Xi Jinping, despite the bitter border dispute and intense regional rivalry between the two leaders.

The SCO was initially formed to discuss border disputes, but it has grown into a network of 26 countries. The SCO covers 43% of the world's population and 23% of its GDP, making it a powerful and influential organisation. The summit is aimed at burnishing China's power, showcasing its firepower, political power, allegiances, economy, and ability to provide alternatives at a time when America is increasingly unpredictable.

The SCO Summit will climax with a military parade through Tiananmen Square on Wednesday, marking 80 years since the surrender of Japan in World War Two. The head of state attending the joint military parade will include Xi Jinping, Putin, Kim Jong-un, Iran's President Massud Peseschkian, and Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The parade will feature "fourth generation" weaponry, some of which will be unveiled to the public for the first time.

The SCO Summit is not bound by a mutual defense treaty, but the optics will likely be striking. The summit is expected to be a significant event in the global political landscape, with leaders from around the world gathering to discuss and address the challenges facing the world today.