Xi Jinping Opens SCO Summit, Showcases Vision for a “New World Order” Challenging U.S. Leadership

Xi Jinping Opens SCO Summit, Showcases Vision for a “New World Order” Challenging U.S. Leadership

Tianjin, China — The global spotlight turned to China as President Xi Jinping delivered the opening address at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit, attended by leaders and representatives from over 20 nations. Xi reaffirmed China’s role in shaping a “new world order” in both economic and security spheres.

Xi emphasized the need for a global path based on true multilateralism, inclusive globalization, and a fairer system of global governance. He pledged 2 billion yuan in aid to SCO members and announced a special loan of 10 billion yuan to support regional economic initiatives.

He also called on SCO members to reject Cold War mentalities and bloc confrontation, while expanding cooperation in areas such as energy, infrastructure, science and technology, and artificial intelligence.

The summit further highlighted the solidarity of the Global South, with notable appearances from Russian President Vladimir Putin and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Putin hailed the SCO as “genuine multilateralism,” laying the foundation for a new Eurasian security framework distinct from Euro-Atlantic models.

Analysts note that China is leveraging the SCO as a platform to propose an “alternative” to the U.S.-led world order—at a time when Washington is retreating from multilateral institutions. The summit also provided Beijing an opportunity to recalibrate ties with India, as Modi made his first visit to China in seven years. Both sides agreed to strengthen their relationship as “partners in development” rather than rivals.

While it remains unclear whether this year’s SCO meeting will ease global tensions, many observers believe that a rapprochement between China and India could significantly enhance Beijing’s influence on the world stage.