Tue Aug 26 09:57:30 UTC 2025: **Summary:**

The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Tianjin, China, is set to be a major event showcasing Global South solidarity. Key figures include Presidents Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who will be making his first visit to China in over seven years. While substantive policy announcements are unlikely, the summit is expected to highlight China’s growing influence and offer a platform for discussions on regional security and cooperation. The meeting between Xi and Modi will be closely watched as both nations seek to defuse past tensions and navigate a changing global landscape under the Trump administration. However, internal frictions within the SCO, particularly between India and Pakistan, continue to pose challenges.

**News Article:**

**SCO Summit in China Poised to Showcase Global South Unity Amidst Geopolitical Flux**

**Tianjin, China -** The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit, commencing August 31st in Tianjin, is attracting significant international attention as it gathers leaders from across the Global South in a show of solidarity. Chinese President Xi Jinping will host over 20 world leaders, including Russian President Vladimir Putin and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, marking Modi’s first visit to China in over seven years.

The summit takes place amidst a shifting global landscape and rising tensions between the US and countries in the Global South. Experts say the event is designed to showcase the SCO as an alternative power bloc to Western-dominated institutions.

A key focus will be the bilateral meeting between Xi and Modi, as both nations aim to continue defusing tensions stemming from border clashes in 2020. With renewed tariff pressures from the Trump administration, analysts suggest India will prioritize maintaining its détente with China, leading to potential announcements of further incremental border measures and cooperation in areas like climate and trade.

While substantive policy breakthroughs are not expected, the summit will provide a crucial platform for discussions on regional security, economic cooperation, and counter-terrorism efforts. However, internal frictions within the SCO, notably between India and Pakistan, and India’s reluctance to join SCO’s condemnation of Israeli attacks on Iran underscore the challenges of achieving cohesive action within the organization.

President Putin will extend his stay in China following the summit to attend a World War Two military parade in Beijing, highlighting the strengthening ties between Russia and China in the face of Western sanctions.

Despite limited policy outcomes, analysts emphasize the symbolic importance of the SCO summit in projecting an image of Global South unity and challenging the existing world order. The event is being closely watched as a barometer of China’s growing influence and the evolving dynamics of international relations.

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