Xi Jinping To Host Putin And Modi At SCO Summit In Major Show Of Global South Solidarity

President Xi Jinping is set to host over 20 world leaders at a regional security forum in China next week. This gathering aims to demonstrate Global South unity amid Donald Trump's influence and aid Russia in achieving another diplomatic success. The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit will take place in Tianjin from August 31 to September 1, with Russian President Vladimir Putin among the attendees.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will make his first visit to China in more than seven years for this summit. This comes as India and China work on easing tensions following deadly border clashes in 2020. Modi last shared a stage with Xi and Putin at the BRICS summit in Kazan, Russia, despite Western leaders distancing themselves from Putin due to the Ukraine conflict.

Focus on Global South Solidarity

The SCO summit is expected to be the largest since its inception in 2001. A Chinese foreign ministry official recently described the bloc as an "important force in building a new type of international relations." Initially formed by six Eurasian nations, the SCO has grown to include 10 permanent members and 16 dialogue and observer countries. Its focus has expanded from security and counter-terrorism to economic and military cooperation.

Analysts suggest that while expansion is a priority for many attending countries, the bloc has not achieved significant cooperation outcomes over time. China values the optics of Global South solidarity against the United States during this period of unpredictable policymaking and geopolitical changes. "What is the precise vision that the SCO represents and its practical implementation are rather fuzzy," said Manoj Kewalramani from the Takshashila Institution thinktank.

Challenges Within the Bloc

Tensions persist between core members India and Pakistan. The June SCO defence ministers' meeting failed to adopt a joint statement after India's objections regarding an omission related to an April attack on Hindu tourists in Indian Kashmir. Additionally, New Delhi did not join the SCO's condemnation of Israeli attacks on Iran earlier this year.

Despite these challenges, recent improvements in India-China relations following five years of heightened border tensions have raised expectations for positive discussions between Xi and Modi during the summit. Analysts anticipate announcements of incremental measures such as troop withdrawals, easing trade restrictions, and cooperation in areas like climate change.

Optics Over Substance

Experts caution that while substantial policy announcements are unlikely at this summit, its appeal to Global South countries should not be underestimated. "This summit is about optics, really powerful optics," noted Eric Olander from The China-Global South Project. The event serves as a platform for showcasing what a post-American-led international order might look like.

Moscow hopes for trilateral talks with China and India soon, according to Russian embassy officials in New Delhi. As Olander stated, "Xi will want to use the summit as an opportunity to showcase what a post-American-led international order begins to look like." He added that efforts by Washington since January have not had their intended effect on countering China, Iran, Russia, or India.

After attending the summit, Modi plans to leave China while Putin will remain for a World War Two military parade in Beijing later that week. This extended stay marks an unusually long period outside Russia for Putin.