What is Xi's long-term strategy for the SCO and for China's place on the global stage? | DW News

Key Concepts:

• Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO)
• Xi Jinping's keynote speech
• Economic and security strategy for the region
• Opposition to external interference, Cold War mentality, unilateralism, and bullying practices
• Optics of gathering world leaders
• Positioning as a security guarantor (not a military alliance)
• Global South
• China-India relations
• Trump's tariff diplomacy
• 80th anniversary of the end of World War II

Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit in Tianjin

• Opening and Attendance: President Xi Jinping opened the SCO Summit in Tianjin, with over 20 world leaders in attendance, including Vladimir Putin and Narendra Modi.
• Keynote Speech: Xi delivered a keynote speech outlining a long-term economic and security strategy for the region, emphasizing cooperation among member states.

Xi Jinping's Perspective and Strategy

• SCO's Role: Xi emphasized the SCO's potential as a force for fairness and justice in a world facing turmoil.
• Opposition to External Interference: He stated the SCO's opposition to external interference, Cold War mentality, unilateralism, and bullying practices.
• Global Reach: Xi highlighted the SCO's significant global presence, noting that its members represent over 40% of the world's population.
• Alternative to the West: Xi is positioning the SCO as a new bloc and an alternative to Western leadership, particularly at a time when US leadership is perceived as faltering.
• Optics and Convening Power: A key aspect of Xi's strategy is the optics of gathering world leaders, showcasing his ability to convene and unite diverse nations. He was seen shaking hands with Putin and Modi.
• Security Guarantor: Xi is positioning the SCO as a security guarantor, although it is not a military alliance.

Challenges and Realities of the SCO

• Diverse Membership: The SCO includes countries with significant differences, such as India and Pakistan.
• Limited Concrete Agreements: The summit is not expected to produce substantial concrete agreements in areas like trade or security deals.
• Symbolic Solidarity: The primary focus is on demonstrating solidarity from the Global South and providing a platform for leaders who may feel marginalized by the US.

Impact of US Policies and China-India Relations

• Trump's Tariff Diplomacy: Trump's trade policies, particularly tariffs on Indian goods and restrictions on Russian oil purchases, have strained US-India relations.
• China's Opportunity: These policies have created an opportunity for China to present itself as a new and reliable partner for countries like India.
• Closer Ties: Recent US policies have inadvertently pushed China and India closer together, despite India traditionally being seen as a counterweight to Beijing.
• Example: Washington imposed 50% tariffs on Indian goods over its Russian oils purchases, that was a big blow to India and an immediate souring of ties with the US.

Upcoming Events and Bilateral Meetings

• World War II Anniversary: Some leaders will stay for the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II celebrations.
• Xi-Putin Meeting: A one-on-one meeting between Xi and Putin is scheduled, with potential discussions on energy deals and the war in Ukraine.
• Military Parade: Putin and Kim Jong-un will attend a military parade in Beijing to commemorate the end of World War II.
• Kim Jong-un's Attendance: Kim Jong-un's participation marks his first international event and provides a significant boost to his legitimacy.

Synthesis/Conclusion:

The SCO Summit, under Xi Jinping's leadership, is being used to project China as a global convenor and an alternative to Western leadership. While the SCO faces challenges due to its diverse membership and limited concrete agreements, it serves as a platform for demonstrating solidarity among the Global South. US policies, particularly those related to trade and tariffs, have inadvertently created opportunities for China to strengthen ties with countries like India. The upcoming events, including the Xi-Putin meeting and the World War II anniversary celebrations, will further solidify China's position on the world stage.