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This year, the 25th Heads of State Council meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) took place from August 31 to September 1 in Tianjin, China, drawing global interest. The event was attended by 10 member states, as well as 16 observer or dialogue partner nations. Representatives from 10 international organizations also participated.

As a collaboration between Russia and China, the SCO was established in 2001 to address the threat of terrorism affecting Central Asia, although additional goals like mutual trade, energy cooperation, and infrastructure growth were also key priorities. This time, however, the SCO was heavily influenced by political factors, beneath which economic frustrations emerged due to the trade tariff policies promoted by the United States (US).

On this occasion, Chinese President Xi Jinping called for a ‘fair and orderly multipolar world.’ He criticized the approach of ignoring the world’s main organization, the United Nations (UN). He rejected unilateralism and its associated concept, hegemonism. He emphasized the idea of multilateralism, stating it as a reality. Jinping essentially pointed out that the world was marked by inequality and chaos, hindering multipolarity. For the effective functioning of the world, not only multipolarity but also equality and order were essential. This was the first time a voice emerged to represent nations that had contributed economically to global development. By doing so, Jinping refused to accept a world order dictated by the US. Instead, he advocated for his own vision to be included. Through his speech, he drew attention to the fact that it was not just the US economy that deserved consideration; the economies of other countries also required recognition. Moreover, a belligerent attitude should be avoided to allow the world to progress and flourish in peace.

Avoiding conflict, Jinping presented a different approach centered on collaboration. He introduced a Global Governance Initiative aimed at giving developing nations a greater say in accordance with international law—rather than allowing the world to be influenced by a single nation. His focus on supporting developing countries earned praise, as he announced the creation of an SCO Development Bank that would provide funding for development projects within member states. This marked the beginning of the SCO’s phase of economic governance, initially available to member countries and expected to draw in more nations to join the SCO. The vision is that the bank will not attempt to exert political influence over its members.

In his address, Jinping claimed that ‘some nations engage in bullying other nations.’ With this statement, he was referring to the trade tariffs imposed by the United States on various countries, including Russia and China. In a sense, the threat of being bullied has led Russia and China to strengthen their bond more than ever before, highlighting their mutual reliance in times of political or economic turmoil. This is especially evident as Central and Western Europe rapidly reduces its option to purchase Russian gas, pushing Russia to depend on China for selling natural gas and generating revenue. Directly, Jinping rejected the bullying approach of the US, which previously used such tactics to enforce its demands and influence global politics.

The primary benefit for Pakistan was the summit’s declaration that denounced terrorist attacks within the country. The statement emphasized that terrorism was not an issue confined to one nation. Rather, it was a regional challenge. Additionally, both Central Asia and South Asia were suffering from terrorism, which could not be addressed individually without forming an alliance against it. The summit outlined plans to create four centers aimed at countering terrorism, securing information, fighting organized crime, and tackling the illegal trade of narcotics.

At present, Pakistan is dealing with the threat of terrorism, with its effects originating from Afghanistan. Recently, a terrorist attack on the Frontier Constabulary Headquarters in Bannu (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), carried out by militants from the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan, highlights the serious challenges the country has been encountering. Likewise, in Balochistan, the activities of the Balochistan Liberation Army and its affiliated Majeed Brigade are widely recognized. The SCO statement denounced the terrorist attack on the Jaffer Express, which Pakistan claimed was backed by India. In other words, Pakistan is a victim, not a supporter, of terrorism.

The SCO summit was not the only event that introduced a new aspect of the global order. Following the summit, a military parade took place in Beijing on 3 September to commemorate the 80th anniversary of China’s triumph over Japan during World War II. At this event, Russia’s Vladimir Putin and North Korea’s Kim Jong Un stood alongside Jinping to demonstrate a gesture of unity despite challenges. The event was seen as both a demonstration of power (through the display of military equipment) and a demonstration of alliance (as Russia and North Korea were shown supporting China). Some analysts view it as an expression of solidarity presented by the Global South.

The world following the SCO era is attempting to shield nations from actions initiated by US President Donald Trump, who disrupted trade relations by implementing tariffs aimed at safeguarding the domestic economy. This strategy is viewed as self-serving, given that the global financial system is interconnected. The tariff approach equates to dismantling the existing system and hastily creating a new one. Imposing such changes through force leads to the destabilization of other countries’ economies. It’s as though the rest of the world must bear the consequences of the US’s previous choices to engage in conflicts and increase military spending. In other words, the US should consider the costs of its endeavors and be responsible for any resulting problems, rather than shifting the burden onto its trading partners.

Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).