The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit concluded in Tianjin, China, on September 1, 2025, with member states reinforcing their joint economic and political strategies. Chinese President Xi Jinping articulated a vision for expanding the organization's global influence, proposing the acceleration of plans for an SCO-operated development bank and the inauguration of an international energy cooperation platform. China pledged $1.4 billion in loans to member states over a three-year period to support these initiatives.
The summit saw key leaders, including Russian President Vladimir Putin and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, lend their support to President Xi's vision for a reconfigured global governance system. President Putin lauded the SCO for revitalizing "genuine multilateralism" and laying the groundwork for a new Eurasian security architecture, emphasizing its role as a "powerful engine of multipolarity." He also expressed support for reforms of established financial institutions like the IMF and World Bank.
President Xi's proposals for an SCO development bank and alternative global financial mechanisms aim to reduce reliance on the U.S. dollar, a move supported by leaders seeking greater financial autonomy. The summit also facilitated dialogue to improve China-India relations, with President Xi and Prime Minister Modi agreeing on a shared development trajectory and reaffirming their countries as development partners, not rivals. They committed to resolving border differences and strengthening cooperation, with Prime Minister Modi inviting President Xi to the 2026 BRICS Summit in India.
Prime Minister Modi also held bilateral talks with President Putin, discussing economic, financial, and energy cooperation, as well as regional and global issues, including the conflict in Ukraine. Modi reiterated India's support for peace efforts in Ukraine. The summit took place amidst global uncertainty and trade tensions, with leaders expressing support for the multilateral trading system.
The gathering, which included leaders from over 20 countries and heads of 10 international organizations, was the largest in the SCO's history. The leaders adopted the Tianjin Declaration and a 10-year SCO Development Strategy until 2035, along with 24 documents aimed at strengthening cooperation in security, economy, and cultural exchanges. The summit also coincided with the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II and the founding of the United Nations.
While the summit projected unity, Western observers expressed caution, viewing the SCO's strengthening ties and China's assertive stance as potentially contradictory to global stability. The event took place against the backdrop of historical commemorations, which China used to assert its geopolitical standing.