China Pushes for Multipolar World
Chinese President Xi Jinping unveiled his vision for a new global security and economic order at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Tianjin on Monday. Addressing over 20 world leaders, Xi called for equal and orderly multipolarisation and inclusive economic globalisation. He urged member states to build a more just and equitable system of global governance, challenging the dominance of the U.S.-led international order.
Financial Aid and Economic Cooperation
Xi announced that China would provide 2 billion yuan ($280 million) in free aid to SCO members this year. He also pledged 10 billion yuan in loans through the SCO banking consortium. Stressing the importance of the bloc’s vast market, Xi encouraged cooperation in trade, energy, infrastructure, science, technology, and artificial intelligence.
Global Leaders Rally in Tianjin
The summit brought together leaders from across Asia and beyond, including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Their presence highlighted growing solidarity within the Global South. The SCO, which began with six Eurasian nations, now includes 10 permanent members and 16 dialogue and observer states.
Xi Targets Western Policies
Without naming the United States directly, Xi criticised “bullying behaviour” and warned against Cold War-style bloc politics. He urged members to support multilateral trade systems and reject protectionist policies. Analysts said this was a veiled attack on U.S. tariffs, which recently hit Indian exports with a 50% levy.
Putin Defends Ukraine War
Speaking at the same forum, Russian President Vladimir Putin defended Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine. He argued that NATO’s expansion remained the key obstacle to peace in the region. Putin’s remarks underscored the growing Russia-China alignment within the SCO framework.
UN Endorses China’s Role
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres praised China’s role in upholding multilateralism. He called the SCO summit a critical platform for advancing dialogue and cooperation at a time of geopolitical uncertainty and U.S. disengagement from multilateral bodies.
Analysts See Alternative Global Governance Model
Observers believe China is using the SCO to showcase an alternative model of global governance. With U.S. foreign policy marked by unpredictability, Beijing is positioning itself as a leader of a multipolar world order.
