China is gearing up to host the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Tianjin from August 31 to September 1, 2025, marking the largest gathering in the bloc’s history. Over 20 world leaders, including Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin, will attend this pivotal event, underscoring China’s growing global influence. The summit, the fifth hosted by China, will also see participation from heads of 10 international organizations, including UN Secretary-General António Guterres.

The 10-member SCO, comprising China, Russia, India, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Belarus, will convene under China’s 2025 rotating chairmanship. Assistant Foreign Minister Liu Bin highlighted the summit’s significance, noting it as a cornerstone of China’s head-of-state diplomacy. Chinese President Xi Jinping will chair the 25th Meeting of the Council of Heads of State and the “SCO Plus” meeting, delivering keynote speeches that outline China’s vision for the organization’s future.

Prominent leaders attending include Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, and Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh. From South Asia, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Nepal’s Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli, and Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu will join, alongside Central Asian leaders like Kazakhstan’s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and Uzbekistan’s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. The presence of leaders from observer states and dialogue partners, such as Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev and Cambodia’s Prime Minister Hun Manet, further amplifies the summit’s global reach.

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The “SCO Plus” format aims to foster broader cooperation, with Xi expected to announce new initiatives to drive high-quality development and strengthen security, economic, and cultural ties. A key outcome will be the Tianjin Declaration, to be signed by member states, alongside a 10-year SCO development strategy. The summit will also issue statements commemorating the 80th anniversary of the World Anti-Fascist War victory and the United Nations’ founding, reinforcing the SCO’s commitment to the post-World War II international order.

Many leaders are expected to extend their stay to attend China’s grand military parade in Beijing on September 3, celebrating the 80th anniversary of victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression. The parade will showcase advanced weaponry, including fourth-generation tanks, hypersonic missiles, and unmanned intelligence systems, signaling China’s military prowess.

The summit’s agenda emphasizes the “Shanghai Spirit” of mutual trust and benefit, aiming to counter global challenges like terrorism and unilateralism. With its focus on regional stability and economic integration, the Tianjin Summit is poised to shape Eurasian diplomacy and enhance the SCO’s role in global governance.

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