International Gathering Labeled as the 'Axis of Disruption' Appears Accurate Given Attendees Listed

China Hosts SCO Summit Amidst Global Tensions

China is playing host to the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit this week, a gathering that brings together leaders from significant and 'disruptive' nations. The event, which takes place in Tianjin, China, is attended by member states China, India, Russia, Pakistan, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Belarus, as well as about 16 countries participating as observers or dialogue partners.

The SCO, which evolved from the Shanghai Five in 1996 and initially included China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, and Tajikistan, has expanded over the years to include Uzbekistan in 2001, India and Pakistan in 2017, Iran in 2023, and Belarus in 2024. The organization aims to promote a multipolar world order and counter Western/NATO influence.

The US-India relationship has soured dramatically, with Trump imposing 50% tariffs on Indian goods and Modi reportedly upset about Trump's handling of tensions with Pakistan. Meanwhile, China and India share a bitter border dispute and an intense regional rivalry. However, China is welcoming Modi at the SCO summit, which is a notable achievement for Chinese President Xi Jinping, as Modi has not visited China for seven years.

The war in Ukraine and Trump's attempts to forge peace will likely be a key focus at the SCO summit. China has consistently presented itself as neutral on the Ukraine conflict, but it has provided economic support to Russia's war effort. China views the war in Ukraine as a good distraction for America, allowing it to divert attention from China. The SCO summit this weekend will culminate in a military parade in Tiananmen Square to mark 80 years since the surrender of Japan in World War Two.

The presence of Vladimir Putin at the SCO summit as a guest of honor is also significant. China has a significant interest in the end of the war in Ukraine, but does not want to see either Putin or Trump appearing too successful. The military parade will feature "fourth generation" weaponry, some of which will be unveiled to the public for the first time.

A notable guest at the military parade will be North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, marking his first appearance at a multilateral event of this size. The SCO summit is intended to demonstrate China's power, particularly its political power, allegiances, economy, and ability to provide alternatives at a time when America is seen as increasingly unpredictable. The optics of the gathering may be striking and designed to rattle Western observers, as the SCO is not bound by a mutual defense treaty.

In conclusion, the SCO summit this weekend in Tianjin, China, is a significant event that brings together leaders from significant nations to discuss global issues and demonstrate China's growing influence on the world stage. The presence of leaders from Russia, Iran, India, Pakistan, Myanmar, Belarus, and Turkey, as well as North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, underscores the importance of the SCO in shaping the global political landscape.