The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit, held in Tianjin, China, from August 31 to September 1, 2025, underscored a collective push towards a more equitable global governance system. The summit, described as the largest in the organization's history, saw leaders from over 20 nations and ten international organizations convene to chart a new course for international relations, directly challenging prevailing global power structures and advocating for a multipolar world order.
Central to the discussions was the emphasis on a "new type of international relations" and a "new model of multilateralism," championed by Chinese President Xi Jinping. He criticized the "Cold War mentality" and "acts of bullying," implicitly referencing Western policies, and called for an "equal and orderly multipolar world." Russian President Vladimir Putin echoed these sentiments, supporting the initiative for a more effective global governance system and highlighting the increasing use of national currencies in trade settlements as a move away from dollar dominance. The leaders stressed the importance of collective security and development, encapsulated in the "Shanghai Spirit" of mutual trust, equality, and respect for diverse civilizations.
The SCO significantly expanded its mandate during the summit. A ten-year strategy, the SCO Development Strategy 2026-2035, was approved, outlining long-term priorities that broaden the organization's scope beyond traditional regional security to encompass economic, technological, and social partnerships. Key outcomes included the adoption of the Tianjin Declaration, which condemned unilateral actions and tariff wars, and called for a multilateral, equitable, rules-based world order. Furthermore, four new security centers were inaugurated to bolster capabilities in countering security threats, organized crime, enhancing cybersecurity, and strengthening anti-drug cooperation.
A significant institutional development was the decision to establish an SCO Development Bank, aimed at financing infrastructure and promoting economic growth among member states. The summit also highlighted growing economic integration within the SCO. China's cumulative trade with SCO member states has surpassed $2.3 trillion, with significant investments exceeding $84 billion. Initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) are finding synergy within the SCO framework, fostering connectivity and expanding trade across Eurasia. Cooperation in emerging sectors such as artificial intelligence, the digital economy, and green industry was also a key focus, with commitments to establish new platforms and centers.
While the SCO presents a united front in advocating for a multipolar world, internal dynamics, such as the historical border conflict between India and Pakistan, present ongoing challenges, though the summit saw the condemnation of the Pahalgam terror attack. The organization's expanding membership, including Laos as a new partner, and its growing influence across Asia, Europe, and Africa, underscore its increasing relevance. The SCO is increasingly viewed not just as an alternative to Western-led institutions, but as a crucial component of the evolving global governance landscape, reflecting a broader shift towards a more balanced international order.