Putin Arrives in Tianjin for SCO Summit

Russian President Vladimir Putin touched down in Tianjin on August 31, 2025, to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit. His arrival carried more than ceremonial value it highlighted Russia’s growing reliance on China at a time of strained ties with the West. Chinese officials greeted Putin with a red carpet reception, underscoring the importance Beijing places on this relationship.

SCO Summit Brings Together Key Global Leaders

The summit in Tianjin marks the 25th meeting of the SCO Heads of State Council. Nearly 20 leaders from across Asia, the Middle East, and Eurasia joined the gathering, making it one of the largest SCO events since its founding in 2001.

Leaders attending included Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, and several Central Asian heads of state.

China and Russia Present a Shared Vision for Multipolarity

President Xi Jinping set the tone by stressing that the world should move toward a multipolar order where power does not rest solely in Washington or Brussels. He praised the SCO as a platform that amplifies the voice of emerging economies and creates balance in global decision-making. Putin echoed these views, warning against what he called unfair trade barriers and economic discrimination” imposed by Western countries.

Both leaders made it clear that they see each other as strategic partners in reshaping global power structures. Their speeches carried a consistent message: the Global South must play a stronger role in the international system.

India’s Modi Returns to China After Years of Tension

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s presence drew significant attention. This marked his first visit to China in seven years, following strained ties over border disputes. While India remains cautious about aligning too closely with Russia and China, Modi’s attendance reflected a pragmatic approach. India values the SCO as a forum for dialogue on regional stability and counter-terrorism, even if it remains skeptical of China’s dominance within the group.

Modi’s participation also highlighted the delicate balance India maintains between its Western partnerships—such as with the United States and its historical ties with Russia. His meetings with Xi and Putin provided an opportunity to reset relations and push for common ground in areas such as trade, energy, and regional peace.

SCO Expands Focus on Security and Economic Cooperation

Discussions during the summit focused heavily on strengthening security cooperation. Leaders emphasized the need for coordinated approaches to counter-terrorism, cybersecurity, and cross-border crime. Military collaboration, joint exercises, and intelligence sharing formed part of the agenda.

Economic issues also took center stage. Member states explored ways to improve connectivity through infrastructure projects, energy pipelines, and digital trade. Russia, under sanctions from the West, views the SCO as an important avenue for trade diversification. China, with its Belt and Road Initiative, seeks to link Central Asia more closely to its own economic networks.

Putin’s China Visit Extends Beyond the Summit

Putin’s trip was not limited to SCO discussions. He also planned to attend China’s Victory Day military parade, commemorating the end of World War II. The parade, featuring advanced Chinese weaponry and international guests, offered Moscow and Beijing a stage to showcase military power and solidarity.

Reports suggested Putin might also hold private talks with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, who was among the invited leaders. If confirmed, such a meeting would underline Russia’s broader strategy of building partnerships outside Western influence.

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