By Redaction ARPS with Asia Times and Tony Yang (Author)
The 2025 SCO summit in Tianjin from August 31 – September 1, 2025, underscored China’s growing global influence through meetings with leaders such as Putin and Modi.
However, India’s attendance signals a strategy to diversify diplomatic options rather than align with China, while Russia’s presence indicates its isolation rather than China’s appeal.
The summit reflects challenges for China as it promotes itself as a defender of sovereignty while seeking to change the global order, which contradicts its criticisms of U.S. strategies. Tensions with India and support for Pakistan further complicate China’s position.
The rise of middle powers like India, Turkey, and Brazil suggests a shift towards 19th-century power politics, weakening traditional alliances.
China’s diplomatic successes reveal difficulties in establishing lasting influence, and the era of dominant leadership from any single power appears to be waning, favoring a multipolar world.
Read original article at: China’s SCO summit theater masks deep contradictions – Asia Times
