Modi and Xi declare unity as allies, not adversaries – DW, January 9 2025.

Global leaders are gathering in northern China for the SCO summit, aiming to bolster regional cooperation during a period of escalated trade and security tensions with the United States. The summit, spanning two days in Tianjin, is labelled by China’s Xinhua news agency as the “largest-ever SCO summit,” with Beijing perceiving it as a counterpoint to the Western-led global system.

The SCO, consisting of 10 member states, including China, India, Russia, and several Central Asian nations, along with 16 observer or “dialogue partner” countries, serves as a significant platform for economic and security collaboration.

Throughout its history, China has leveraged its economic influence, while Russia has maintained its Central Asian ties through the organization.

Russia’s ongoing conflict in Ukraine has intensified its dependency on the SCO.

India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi, attending his first summit in China in seven years, finds common ground with Beijing amid strained relations with Washington and the economic pressures imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariffs.

In support of multilateralism, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has emphasized China’s role as a “fundamental pillar” of the international system.

For comprehensive coverage on the SCO summit, visit DW’s dedicated page here.