As global tensions rise and multilateral institutions face unprecedented challenges, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) prepares to host its largest-ever summit in Tianjin from August 31 to September 1. With over 20 heads of state and representatives from 10 international organizations attending, the event emerges as a critical platform for addressing pressing geopolitical and economic issues.
The summit coincides with the 80th anniversary of the World Anti-Fascist War victory and UN founding – milestones now overshadowed by protracted conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza, escalating trade wars, and strained global governance systems. Against this backdrop, the SCO positions itself as a stabilizing force, championing what Chinese Academy of Social Sciences researcher Liu Chang calls "a solid defense for global multilateralism."
While critics dismiss the organization as a "talking shop" hampered by internal disagreements, supporters argue its consensus-based approach reflects true multilateral cooperation. "The SCO’s strength lies in respecting diversity while pursuing shared security and development goals," notes Tsinghua University’s Liu Long, emphasizing its role in bridging emerging economies.
This year’s expanded participation underscores growing Global South interest in alternative governance models. Analysts suggest the summit could yield practical cooperation frameworks addressing regional security, digital economy development, and climate resilience – key concerns for Asian markets and diaspora communities alike.
As economic decoupling risks intensify, the SCO’s emphasis on non-aligned cooperation offers businesses and investors a potential roadmap for navigating Asia’s evolving trade landscape. The outcomes may prove particularly significant for Central and South Asian connectivity projects linking China’s Belt and Road Initiative with Eurasian economic corridors.
