Chinese President Xi Jinping has subtly critiqued the United States, branding certain “bullying practices” as detrimental to global harmony. At a significant summit attended by over 20 world leaders, Xi portrayed China as an emerging beacon of international leadership amidst President Donald Trump’s “America First” doctrine, which is reshaping global dynamics.
During his address to the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) gathering in Tianjin, Xi asserted that the regulations of a select few nations should not be enforced upon others. This two-day summit, showcasing China’s diplomatic strength and its alliance with Russia, attracted high-profile officials including Russian President Vladimir Putin and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Xi announced a commitment of 2 billion yuan (approximately $427 million) in grants to member states and an additional 10 billion yuan (around $2.1 billion) in loans, aimed at enhancing economic cooperation among SCO nations. He emphasised the need to harness the vast markets and economic synergies of participating countries, advocating for improved trade and investment facilitation.
In his evolving vision for international relations, Xi introduced a Global Governance Initiative, supplementing his previous proposals on security, development, and civilisation with a goal of reshaping global governance. He expressed a desire to enhance the representation of developing countries and promote multilateralism. “We ought to continue tearing down walls rather than building them,” he stated, urging an approach of integration over separation.
Xi’s remarks tend to counter established notions of a US-centric world order, particularly opposing alliances such as NATO, which he perceives to uphold Western norms. By championing an equitable global governance framework, Xi aims to challenge what Beijing sees as a systemic bias against non-Western nations, specifically calling out “hegemonism” and a “Cold War mentality.”
As the US engages in a contentious trade war and retracts from international obligations, China perceives an opening to establish itself as a viable alternative in global governance. With Trump’s assertion of tariffs and a bold approach towards China’s ties with Russia, Xi seeks to pivot the narrative, advocating for a multipolar world that embraces inclusivity in economic globalisation.
Putin echoed Xi’s sentiments during the summit, framing the SCO as a cornerstone for a new Eurasian security paradigm, distinct from Western-led models. The summit not only solidified the growing rapport between China and Russia but also created a backdrop for discussions surrounding the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, where China has been involved in economic partnerships with Russia despite professed neutrality.
With leaders from various nations convening, this SCO meeting signals a strategic effort by Xi, especially ahead of a significant military celebration planned in Beijing. This attempt for diplomatic prominence underscores the shifting alliances and emerging geopolitical landscape influenced by the rising power of China and its steadfast alliance with Russia amidst changing global politics.