Beijing (TDI): Chinese President Xi Jinping will host a major gathering of global leaders, including Russia’s Vladimir Putin and India’s Narendra Modi, at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit starting Sunday.
The two-day event comes just ahead of a grand military parade in Beijing marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, which North Korea’s Kim Jong Un is also expected to attend.
The SCO’s growing profile highlights Beijing’s emphasis on inclusive multilateralism. Unlike Western-led alliances that are often security-driven, the SCO combines political, economic, and cultural dimensions, making it a unique platform where member states can pursue cooperation on their own terms. This flexible framework allows countries with different interests and disputes to still engage constructively.
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China’s hosting of the summit underscores its role as a convener in a time of shifting global power dynamics. By bringing together leaders from diverse political and economic backgrounds, Beijing is showcasing its ability to set an agenda that focuses on regional stability, development, and mutual respect.
Such symbolism is significant as many countries in Asia and beyond seek alternatives to Western-dominated institutions.
Another dimension is the economic agenda. Infrastructure projects, energy cooperation, and digital connectivity are expected to feature prominently in discussions.
These areas align with China’s Belt and Road Initiative, offering SCO members opportunities for investment and development that could boost long-term regional integration.
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Finally, the summit provides a chance for dialogue at a time of heightened global uncertainty. Even when consensus on sensitive issues is difficult, the SCO’s value lies in maintaining channels of communication between rivals such as Pakistan and India.
In this sense, China’s effort to promote dialogue rather than confrontation reinforces the SCO’s image as a stabilizing force in Eurasia.
Farkhund Yousafzai is an Associate Editor at The Diplomatic Insight.
