Xi pushes bigger role for SCO at summit
Chinese President Xi Jinping addressed leaders of SCO nations Monday in Tianjin, urging deeper cooperation and stronger regional security partnerships.
At the annual Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit held in Tianjin, Chinese President Xi Jinping signaled his ambition to broaden the influence of the group, positioning it as a counterweight to U.S. dominance in global affairs.
Xi outlined a bold agenda that included the accelerated creation of a development bank under SCO management, the launch of an international platform for energy cooperation, and new initiatives for green industries. To support these goals, he pledged \$1.4 billion in loans over the next three years to member nations. His message was clear: the SCO is no longer just a regional forum but a growing force in shaping global governance.
The summit gathered leaders from across Asia, with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi among the most prominent attendees. What was once a security-focused alliance aimed at balancing U.S. influence in Central Asia has steadily evolved into an influential economic and political bloc. Today, it spans security, trade, energy, technology, and climate initiatives.
One of Xi’s most notable announcements was the decision to give SCO nations access to China’s BeiDou satellite navigation system, offering an alternative to the U.S.-controlled GPS. This move highlights China’s intention to provide strategic infrastructure and reduce members’ dependence on Western systems.
Putin welcomed Xi’s proposals, stressing that the SCO has the potential to play “a leading role in building a more just and equal system of global governance.” His words underscored Russia’s alignment with China in pushing for multipolarity and reducing Western dominance in international affairs.
The summit also marked an expansion in participation. With this addition, the SCO now counts 27 members and partners, including China, India, Russia, Iran, and a range of nations across Central and Southeast Asia. Together, they represent a vast demographic and economic bloc with increasing strategic weight.
What started as a forum to address border security and regional stability is now emerging as a platform where alternative visions of development, cooperation, and global leadership are being forged. Xi’s call for deeper collaboration in finance, energy, and technology reflects China’s determination to see the SCO evolve into a central player on the world stage.