The SCO Summit is underway in Tianjin, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi making his first visit to China in seven years. This summit, the 25th in the series, brings together 20 world leaders, including Russian President Vladimir Putin, highlighting the importance of the event. China’s selection of Tianjin as the venue warrants examination. Tianjin, despite being less known outside China, is a crucial port city and the third-largest urban center after Beijing and Shanghai. Historically, Tianjin was a collection of foreign-controlled enclaves, later evolving into a modern trade powerhouse with one of the world’s largest ports. The city is also a hub for innovation, with a significant number of universities and the presence of the Tianhe-1A supercomputer. Major international corporations, such as Airbus, have established operations in Tianjin. However, the city also has a recent history of tragedy, with a major industrial accident in 2015. China’s decision to host the summit in Tianjin could be interpreted as a strategic move to challenge the existing global order. The meeting between PM Modi and Xi Jinping will be central to the summit. Discussions are expected to revolve around strengthening India-China relations, a topic gaining importance since the 2020 Galwan clash and the Ladakh standoff. They are also expected to address trade issues amid the US’s tariffs and to discuss resolving boundary issues. PM Modi is expected to confer with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Trump’s tariffs, the Ukraine conflict, and the situation in Gaza. The summit attendees will include Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, and others. Representatives from Southeast Asian nations and leaders from countries like the Democratic Republic of Congo and Cuba will also participate, reflecting China’s goal of expanding its regional ties.
Tianjin Hosts SCO Summit: A Look at China’s Choice, Modi-Xi Jinping Discussions, and Key Participants
