Xi, Modi, Putin at SCO: A new alliance against the West in the Trump era? | DW News

Key Concepts

• Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO)
• Xi Jinping's vision of a new global order
• Countering Western dominance
• Security cooperation (cyber security, terrorism, drug trafficking)
• SCO Development Bank
• Optics of Xi Jinping as a global convenor
• India-China relations in the context of US tariffs
• India's multi-alignment strategy
• Russia's priorities: shoring up support, challenging US dominance
• Multi-polar world order

Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit in Qingdao

• Main Topics and Key Points: The SCO summit in Qingdao, China, was opened by President Xi Jinping, with over 20 world leaders in attendance, including Vladimir Putin and Narendra Modi. Xi presented a long-term economic and security strategy for the region, emphasizing cooperation among member states.
• Xi Jinping's Speech: Xi called for upholding fairness and justice, promoting a correct view of World War II history, and opposing Cold War mentality, camp confrontation, and bullying behavior.
• Xi's Vision of a New Global Order: Xi Jinping is keen to play up the SCO as a force for good in the world using words like peace, stability, justice, and fairness and saying that it would oppose what he described as power politics and external forces. He presented his vision of a new global order, one that is more inclusive and places greater importance on the global south. He highlighted that SCO member states account for 40% of the world's population and encouraged members to leverage this market size.
• Countering Western Dominance: The summit is seen as an effort to create a new bloc, framework, and leadership to counter Western dominance.

Security and Economic Cooperation

• Declaration: A draft declaration from the summit mentions closer cooperation on security, including a new center to counter cyber security threats, terrorism, and drug trafficking.
• SCO Development Bank: The declaration also mentions creating an SCO Development Bank to help member countries develop projects.
• Security Guarantor: While there is discussion about security cooperation, there are no moves towards big defense agreements like NATO.
• International Affairs: The SCO is starting to take positions on international affairs, including calls for a ceasefire in Gaza and condemnation of strikes on Iran by Israel.
• Diverse Membership: The SCO includes countries with differing views, such as India and Pakistan.

Impact of US Tariffs and India-China Relations

• Trump's Tariffs: President Xi mentioned "bullying" in his address, referring to Donald Trump's punitive tariffs.
• India-US Relations: Washington imposed a 50% tariff on India, souring India-US relations and pushing India to seek other economic partners.
• India-China Relations: This has given Beijing an opening to position itself as a bigger partner to India. Xi, Putin, and Modi were seen speaking together.
• Opportunity for China: Xi is seizing the opportunity to show how Trump's diplomacy can backfire and is welcoming partners who feel shut out.
• India as a Counterweight: India was once seen by the West as a counterweight to Beijing, but recent tariffs have pushed Beijing and New Delhi closer together.

India's Perspective and Foreign Policy

• Modi-Putin Meeting: Modi and Putin discussed the war in Ukraine, with Modi expressing hope for a resolution. India has maintained a neutral stance, not openly accusing Russia of the invasion.
• Symbolism: Images of Modi and Putin together were seen as symbolic of their trusted relationship.
• Condemnation of Kashmir Attack: The summit declaration included a condemnation of the Kashmir attack of April 22nd, which India blamed on Pakistan. This is seen as a surprising development and an expression of the thaw between India and China.
• Skepticism of US-Led World Order: India and China share skepticism of a US-led world order, finding it outdated and full of double standards.
• No Fundamental Realignment: There is no talk of a fundamental realignment of relations between India and China. Cooperation is seen as a steady path that began last year.
• India's Needs: India needs China as its largest neighbor, the US as a global trading partner and partner in the Indo-Pacific, and Russia for energy and weapons.
• India's Foreign Policy: India will likely continue its strategy of balancing multiple strategic partnerships, not entering formal alliances or putting all eggs in one basket.

Russia's Priorities and the War in Ukraine

• Putin's Priorities: Vladimir Putin wants to shore up support from countries that have supported Russia since the invasion of Ukraine.
• China-Russia Relations: Russia increasingly relies on economic support from China and dual-use technologies.
• Diplomatic Boost: The summit is a diplomatic boost for Putin, showing that attempts to isolate him through sanctions have not worked.
• Challenging US Dominance: Putin echoes Xi's push for a new security and economic order challenging US dominance.
• Multi-Polar Order: Russia and China both favor a multi-polar order where they play a bigger role.
• Putin's Remarks on Ukraine: Putin blamed NATO expansion for the war in Ukraine and reiterated Moscow's desire for a pro-Kremlin regime.
• Victory Parade: Putin will participate in a victory parade in China to commemorate the end of World War II, showcasing military strength.

Synthesis/Conclusion

The SCO summit in Qingdao served as a platform for China and Russia to promote a new global order that challenges Western dominance. While security and economic cooperation were key themes, the summit also highlighted the complex relationships between member states, particularly in the context of US tariffs and the war in Ukraine. India's foreign policy remains focused on balancing multiple strategic partnerships, while Russia seeks to shore up support and counter Western influence. The summit underscored the growing importance of the SCO as a forum for shaping international relations in a multi-polar world.