Tianjin, China is poised to become the epicentre of global diplomacy as it prepares to host the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit 2025 from August 31 to September 1. This landmark gathering, described as the largest in SCO history, is set to convene over 20 world leaders and heads of 10 international organizations, signaling a significant moment for multilateralism and regional cooperation. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and Chinese President Xi Jinping are among the top-tier political heavyweights confirmed to attend, underscoring the summit’s immense geopolitical importance.
A Confluence of Global Powerhouses
The coastal metropolis of Tianjin is meticulously preparing for a diplomatic spectacle that will see an unprecedented assembly of influential figures. Chinese President Xi Jinping will preside over the 25th Meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the SCO, as well as an “SCO Plus” Meeting, where he is expected to deliver keynote speeches that will shape the organization’s future trajectory. Beyond the host, a formidable list of attendees includes Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, whose visit marks his first trip to China in seven years and is seen as critical for bilateral ties. Russian President Vladimir Putin’s presence is also highly anticipated, as it will be his first visit to China since recent talks on the Ukraine war. Other prominent leaders confirmed to participate include Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, Pakistani Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, and Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko. Key Central Asian leaders such as Kazakhstan’s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, Kyrgyzstan’s President Sadyr Japarov, Tajikistan’s President Emomali Rahmon, and Uzbekistan’s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev are also expected.
The summit’s reach extends beyond national heads of state, with leaders from 10 international organizations also joining the discussions. United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres and ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn are among those who will contribute to the high-level dialogue, highlighting the SCO’s increasing role in broader world affairs.
The SCO’s Evolving Mandate: Beyond Security
Founded in 2001, evolving from the “Shanghai Five” mechanism established in 1996, the SCO initially focused on Eurasian security. Over two decades, it has steadily broadened its scope to encompass extensive cooperation in economic, trade, and cultural spheres. What began as a six-member bloc has expanded to 10 full member states – China, Russia, India, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Iran, and most recently, Belarus. The “SCO family” now comprises an even wider network, including two observer states and 14 dialogue partners across Asia, Europe, and Africa, collectively representing over 60 percent of the Eurasian landmass and nearly half of the world’s population. This expansion reflects the organization’s ambition to foster a new, democratic, fair, and rational international political and economic order, rooted in mutual trust, equality, and shared development – principles collectively known as the “Shanghai Spirit.”
As China holds the rotating presidency for 2024-2025, it has championed the theme of “SCO Year of Sustainable Development,” launching over 100 related events. This emphasizes a shift towards a more comprehensive approach to regional challenges, integrating environmental protection, green transformation, and innovation into the core agenda.
Key Agendas: Charting a Decade of Cooperation
The Tianjin Summit is expected to be a pivotal forum for setting the SCO’s strategic priorities for the coming decade. A key outcome will be the signing and release of the Tianjin Declaration, a document poised to outline the organization’s collective vision and commitments. Furthermore, leaders are anticipated to approve a comprehensive SCO Development Strategy for the next 10 years, which will detail plans for deepening cooperation across diverse sectors.
Discussions will largely center on strengthening security cooperation, a foundational pillar of the SCO. This includes enhancing joint counter-terrorism capabilities under the Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS), intensifying efforts against drug trafficking, de-radicalization, and disaster prevention and mitigation. The goal is to fortify regional peace and stability amidst an increasingly volatile global landscape.
Economically, the summit aims to spur significant progress. Initiatives include expanding trade in local currencies, particularly the Yuan, to potentially challenge the dominance of the U.S. Dollar. Discussions are also expected on institutionalizing the SCO Development Bank and boosting cooperation in crucial areas such as the digital economy, infrastructure development, energy, and agriculture. China’s trade with other SCO members already reached approximately $511 billion in 2024, demonstrating the substantial economic ties within the bloc.
President Xi Jinping is also expected to announce new measures to advance cooperation and propose innovative pathways for the organization to constructively safeguard the post-World War II international order and improve the global governance system. Statements commemorating the 80th anniversary of the victory in the World Anti-Fascist War and the founding of the United Nations are also slated, highlighting the SCO’s commitment to historical remembrance and global peace.
Geopolitical Undercurrents: India, China, and the Broader Global Stage
The Tianjin Summit unfolds against a backdrop of complex global geopolitical dynamics, positioning China to assert its diplomatic influence and leadership, particularly among nations of the ‘Global South.’ Many observers view the summit as China’s opportunity to further solidify the SCO as a robust counterweight to Western-led power blocs. The timing, just days before a grand military parade in Beijing commemorating the end of World War II, adds another layer of symbolic significance.
One of the most closely watched aspects of the summit will be the interactions between Indian Prime Minister Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping. While relations between Beijing and New Delhi have faced challenges, particularly after border clashes in 2020, recent discussions between their foreign ministers have yielded a 10-point consensus on border management and mutual support for hosting diplomatic events. PM Modi’s attendance underscores a move towards normalizing ties, especially as India seeks to navigate its own economic and trade relationships amid global shifts.
Russia’s participation is equally significant, as the SCO’s energy cooperation mechanisms, like the SCO Energy Club, have played a role in mitigating the impact of international sanctions. The summit provides a platform for Moscow to reinforce its strategic partnerships in Eurasia.
Tianjin’s Moment: Hosting a World Event
As the host city, Tianjin has undertaken extensive preparations, eager to showcase its capabilities and contribute to China’s ‘head-of-state diplomacy.’ This marks China’s fifth time hosting an SCO Summit, and the scale of this year’s event reflects its growing prominence on the world news stage. The city, situated along the scenic Haihe River, offers a fitting backdrop for high-stakes discussions that will define regional and global directions.
Challenges and the Path Forward
Despite the overarching goals of unity and cooperation, the SCO is not without its inherent complexities. The diverse interests and sometimes challenging bilateral relationships among its members, such as India and Pakistan or Iran and Russia, can pose significant tests to its coherence as a unified bloc. However, the organization’s enduring principle of non-interference in internal affairs and sovereign equality allows for a unique blend of Eastern diplomacy and pragmatic alliances.
The Tianjin Summit is expected to provide SCO member states with a crucial opportunity to reinforce solidarity and coordination, addressing the uncertainties and unpredictable factors in the international environment. By fostering a collective approach to security, economic development, and cultural exchange, the SCO aims to create a favorable environment of lasting peace and shared prosperity across the Eurasian continent and beyond.
In a turbulent world, the outcomes of the Tianjin Summit will undoubtedly resonate globally, offering insights into the evolving international order and the growing influence of non-Western multilateral platforms. The decisions made here will likely shape regional stability, economic pathways, and strategic alliances for years to come, making this one of the top news stories of the year.
