Xi Jinping Hosts Putin and Modi at Shanghai Summit Amid Global Tensions

Chinese President Xi Jinping welcomed Russian President Vladimir Putin and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit, which commenced on September 17, 2023, in Tianjin. The summit gathered approximately 20 national leaders with the aim of strengthening Beijing’s influence and promoting its vision of a “multipolar world order.”

Established in 2001, the SCO originally included China, Russia, and four Central Asian nations as a counterbalance to Western alliances such as NATO. Over the years, it has expanded to include 10 member states and 16 dialogue partners and observers. This year’s summit will address the economic and political ramifications of U.S. President Donald Trump’s trade policies, particularly focusing on the 50 percent tariffs imposed on Indian goods due to New Delhi’s ongoing purchases of Russian oil.

The summit is significant not only for its regional implications but also for its potential global impact. Trump’s actions have sparked considerable debate, particularly among analysts who question how Modi could align with leaders like Xi and Putin amidst rising tensions with the West. Former U.S. Ambassador to Russia Michael McFaul expressed his astonishment on social media, questioning how relations deteriorated to such an extent that Modi would attend a summit with such leaders.

Global Stakes and Regional Dynamics

Both Xi and Modi seem to be seeking a recalibration of their historically strained relationship, which has been marred by mistrust and unresolved border disputes. Analysts from Chatham House, Chietigj Bajpaee and Yu Jie, emphasized the global significance of this relationship, stating, “What happens in this relationship matters to the rest of the world.” They argue that if Western countries, particularly the United States, are serious about supporting India as a counterbalance to a rising China, they must adjust their expectations regarding India’s role.

Bajpaee and Jie noted, “India was never going to be the bulwark against China that the West (and the United States in particular) thought it was.” They suggest that Modi’s participation in the summit could represent a pivotal moment in international relations and may redefine India’s position on the global stage.

Putin is scheduled to remain in China until September 20, 2023, when Xi will host a military parade commemorating the end of World War II, marking Japan’s formal surrender. Among the attendees will be North Korea’s Kim Jong Un, Slovakia’s Prime Minister Robert Fico, and Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić. The presence of these leaders underscores the geopolitical shifts occurring as nations reassess their alliances and strategies in the face of evolving global challenges.

As this summit unfolds, it becomes increasingly clear that the dynamics between China, Russia, and India will have far-reaching implications, not only for their respective countries but also for the geopolitical landscape worldwide.