China will host a high-profile SCO summit next week, bringing together leaders including President Xi Jinping, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and President Vladimir Putin
BEIJING
China is set to host more than 20 world leaders, including Russian President Vladimir Putin and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Tianjin from August 31 to September 1. The summit aims to project Global South solidarity amid U.S.-led geopolitical pressure and rising tensions with the West.
Modi’s visit marks his first to China in over seven years, following deadly 2020 border clashes. On the sidelines, Modi and Xi are expected to discuss incremental border measures, trade facilitation, climate cooperation, and people-to-people engagement. Russia, facing sanctions, will leverage the summit to strengthen diplomatic ties with China and India, while Putin remains in Beijing for a World War II military parade.
The SCO, originally focused on security and counter-terrorism, has expanded its membership and scope to include economic and military cooperation. Analysts describe the summit as “powerful optics,” projecting influence rather than delivering substantive policy outcomes. Frictions remain between India and Pakistan, limiting the bloc’s effectiveness on regional security.
Despite limited concrete outcomes, the gathering provides a platform for narrative projection, demonstrating a post-U.S.-led global order and strengthening China’s convening power. The summit underscores India’s strategic balancing, aiming to maintain détente with China while pursuing trade, connectivity, and territorial integrity priorities.
Modi is expected to leave after the summit concludes. In contrast, Putin will extend his stay for the Beijing parade, highlighting the event’s dual role as a diplomatic forum and a showcase of Sino-Russian solidarity.