Xi and Putin Unite at SCO Summit as China Pushes Alternative Global Leadership with New Governance Initiative

At Tianjin, China, Xi and Putin Unite at SCO Summit as China Pushes Alternative Global Leadership with New Governance Initiative. Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin stood united on Monday at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in Tianjin, signaling a deepening partnership between Beijing and Moscow.

The gathering, which also included Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and more than 20 world leaders, highlighted China’s ambition to position itself as a global alternative to the U.S.-led international system.

The summit served as a platform for Xi to unveil the Global Governance Initiative, an ambitious framework that complements China’s previous programs on security, development, and civilization. Together, these initiatives reflect Beijing’s vision of a new world order where the Global South has a stronger voice.

Xi and Putin Unite at SCO Summit as China Pushes Alternative Global Leadership with New Governance Initiative

Xi Jinping’s Criticism of U.S. “Bullying Practices”

In his opening remarks, Xi Jinping delivered a sharp critique of what he termed “bullying practices” and “hegemonism,” widely understood as references to the United States.

Without naming Washington directly, Xi accused certain nations of imposing the “house rules of a few countries” on the broader global community.

“We should continue to dismantle walls, not erect them; seek integration, not decoupling,” Xi said, in a veiled rebuke of U.S. trade and foreign policies under Donald Trump’s America First agenda.

Xi stressed the need for a “more just and equitable global governance system”, calling for inclusivity and balance in decision-making.

The Launch of the Global Governance Initiative

A highlight of Xi’s speech was the announcement of the Global Governance Initiative.

This initiative advocates for:

• Multilateralism over unilateral dominance
• Greater representation for the Global South
• Inclusive globalization that promotes “mutual benefit” rather than competition

As part of this effort, Xi pledged:

• 2 billion yuan ($280 million) in grants for SCO member states in 2025
• 10 billion yuan ($1.4 billion) in loans to the SCO banking consortium over three years

Observers say the initiative cements Beijing’s leadership ambitions while providing financial lifelines to member states.

Putin Echoes Xi’s Call for a Multipolar World

Russian President Vladimir Putin fully endorsed Xi’s proposals. In his address, Putin praised the SCO as a platform for building a “new system of stability and security in Eurasia” that challenges outdated Eurocentric models.

He argued that the multipolar system would be:

• Balanced
• Inclusive
• Resistant to domination by any single superpower

Putin’s remarks were a clear contrast to Western-led alliances like NATO, reinforcing Moscow’s stance that Eurasia should be free from Western influence.

Xi and Putin’s Personal Rapport on Display

Beyond policy discussions, the summit spotlighted the close personal rapport between Xi and Putin.

At a welcome banquet hosted by Xi and his wife Peng Liyuan, cameras captured both leaders laughing and engaging in animated conversation a rare glimpse of Xi’s more relaxed side.

The timing was notable. The summit marked their first meeting since Putin’s talks with Trump in Alaska, which had raised questions about Russia’s diplomatic maneuvering.

In Tianjin, however, Xi and Putin reaffirmed their longstanding strategic partnership, projecting unity against Western pressure.

Also Read: Silent Standoff at SCO: Modi, Shehbaz Keep Distance as Xi and Putin Show Camaraderie

Ukraine War Casts a Long Shadow

The Ukraine war loomed over the summit’s agenda.

• Putin reiterated his claim that the conflict stemmed from a Western-backed coup in Kyiv, not Russian aggression.
• China maintained its neutral stance, officially refraining from taking sides while offering Moscow economic relief through discounted oil purchases and continued trade.
• Western officials accuse China of supplying dual-use goods that support Russia’s defense industry allegations Beijing strongly denies.

For Putin, the SCO summit was an opportunity to demonstrate that Russia is not isolated, despite heavy Western sanctions.

India’s Balancing Act: Modi Between Xi and Putin

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi played a central role, symbolizing New Delhi’s balancing strategy between East and West.

Highlights included:

• A warm embrace with Putin and a symbolic ride in the Russian leader’s armored Aurus limousine
• Direct talks with Xi, their first in seven years, signaling a cautious thaw in relations after the 2020 border clashes

Modi emphasized India’s enduring partnership with Russia while calling for peace in Ukraine.

For India, SCO membership provides:

• Access to regional security discussions
• Opportunities for economic cooperation with China and Russia
• A counterweight to Western tariffs and pressure

Also Read: Trump Slams India’s ‘One-Sided’ Trade as Modi Embraces Xi and Putin

Trump’s Tariffs and the Global Economic Divide

Former U.S. President Donald Trump’s trade policies also hovered over the discussions.

• Trump imposed steep tariffs on India and targeted China with penalties for purchasing Russian oil.
• U.S. officials voiced concern that growing cooperation between Russia, China, and India undermines Western efforts to isolate Moscow.

Yet the SCO projected unity, framing Trump’s tariff wars as a catalyst that has accelerated non-Western cooperation.

Expansion of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization

The Tianjin summit was the SCO’s largest gathering to date, with more than 20 leaders in attendance.

The organization now includes:

• Full members: China, Russia, India, Iran, Pakistan, Belarus, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan
• Observer states: Afghanistan, Mongolia
• Dialogue partners: 14 countries, including several Middle Eastern nations

Xi proposed bold expansions, including:

• Creation of a new SCO development bank
• An AI cooperation center for member states
• Opportunities to join China’s lunar research station

Xi Pushes for an SCO Development Bank

Xi’s call for a Shanghai Cooperation Organization Development Bank marks a significant escalation in Beijing’s financial diplomacy.

According to Xi, the bank would:

• Provide loans and development assistance to SCO states
• Reduce dependence on Western-led institutions like the IMF and World Bank
• Advance projects aligned with China’s model of inclusive globalization

While a launch timeline remains unclear, the proposal reflects China’s long-term strategy to reshape global financial architecture.

Military Parade: A Symbol of Rising Power

The summit set the stage for a massive military parade in Beijing, commemorating the 80th anniversary of Japan’s WWII surrender.

With Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un expected to attend, the parade will:

• Showcase China’s latest military technology
• Reinforce Beijing’s role as a rising global power
• Signal deterrence to rivals, particularly the United States

SCO vs. BRICS: Competing for Influence

The SCO’s economic pivot invites comparisons with BRICS, another bloc of major emerging economies.

• BRICS: Stronger economic weight, global financial presence
• SCO: Greater emphasis on security and regional cooperation

Yet analysts agree that Beijing’s leadership of both organizations boosts its diplomatic standing, even as Washington struggles with internal divisions.

Analysis: The Push for a Multipolar World

The SCO summit illustrates the erosion of U.S. dominance and the rise of a multipolar global order.

Each major player brings distinct strengths:

• China: Economic power and global trade influence
• Russia: Military might and energy resources
• India: Strategic geography and market potential

Although tensions persist particularly between China and India the shared goal of reducing reliance on U.S.-led systems is a powerful unifier.

Conclusion: A New Era of Global Governance?

The Tianjin SCO summit underscored Xi Jinping’s determination to position China as a leader of global governance reform.

Through the Global Governance Initiative and proposals like the SCO development bank, Beijing is laying the groundwork for an alternative world order one rooted in multipolarity, multilateralism, and resistance to Western dominance.

For Putin, the summit affirmed Russia’s resilience amid Western sanctions. For Modi, it offered space to maneuver between competing blocs. For Xi, it was a chance to project China’s economic strength, military confidence, and diplomatic leadership on the world stage.

Whether the SCO can translate ambition into lasting influence remains uncertain. But one message from Tianjin is clear: the era of uncontested U.S. leadership is giving way to a multipolar future and China intends to shape it.