Beijing Hosts High-Level SCO Summit
Chinese President Xi Jinping welcomed Russian President Vladimir Putin and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Beijing on Friday for a Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit, bringing together some of Asia’s most influential leaders.
The gathering comes amid rising global tensions, with ongoing US trade wars against China, India, and Russia looming large over the agenda.
Focus on Regional Cooperation
The SCO summit aims to strengthen political, economic, and security cooperation among member states. While the official agenda includes regional development and counterterrorism, the escalating trade disputes with Washington have dominated side discussions and international focus.
Trade Wars at the Center of Attention
China has retaliated against Washington with tariffs after the US imposed duties on steel, technology products, and consumer goods.
India has also imposed counter-duties following the US withdrawal of its trade privileges under the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP).
Russia, already facing Western sanctions, sees the summit as an opportunity to boost trade and energy ties with Asian partners.
The three leaders are expected to discuss alternative trade mechanisms and explore ways to reduce dependency on the US-led financial system.
Leaders Call for Multilateralism
In opening remarks:
Xi Jinping called for collective resilience against unilateral sanctions.
Narendra Modi urged for fair and just trade rules that protect developing nations.
Vladimir Putin accused the West of undermining global stability with “protectionism and sanctions.”
Building an Asian Strategic Bloc
Analysts suggest that the summit could result in agreements on:
Energy cooperation between Russia, China, and India
Infrastructure development projects across Central Asia
Defence and technology partnerships under the SCO framework
While it remains uncertain whether these countries can fully counterbalance US influence, the summit sends a strong signal of Asian solidarity in global politics.
FAQs: Putin and Modi in China Summit
Q1: What is the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO)?
The SCO is a regional political, economic, and security alliance founded in 2001. It includes China, Russia, India, Pakistan, and Central Asian states, aiming to strengthen cooperation in trade, security, and development.
Q2: Why is this summit significant?
The summit is happening against the backdrop of US trade wars and rising geopolitical tensions. It highlights attempts by Russia, China, and India to coordinate responses and strengthen regional ties.
Q3: How has the US affected India, China, and Russia recently?
The US has imposed tariffs on Chinese and Indian goods, withdrawn India’s GSP trade privileges, and maintained sanctions on Russia, straining relations with all three nations.
Q4: What outcomes are expected from the summit?
Potential agreements on infrastructure, energy cooperation, and defence coordination. However, concrete measures to counter US economic leverage remain uncertain.
Q5: What message are the leaders sending?
By gathering in Beijing, Putin and Modi, alongside Xi, are signaling a push for a multipolar world order, less dependent on Western dominance in trade and security.