China Summit: Tensions and Common Cause Against US-Led World Order

Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Origins and Purpose

• 🌏 The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) has existed for about a quarter of a century, established in the 1990s to create a bloc of powers not aligned with the United States and Western nations.
• 🗺️ Historically, the SCO has focused on Central Asia, an area of strategic interest for both Russia and China, though India's involvement has varied.
• 🇺🇸 The organization is described as an "anti-US-led world" setup, providing a platform for countries with similar geopolitical perspectives to discuss issues where they diverge from US policy.

Shifting Alliances and Common Causes

• 🤝 Despite historical tensions, such as border disputes between India and China, high US tariffs have created a surprising common cause between Indian Prime Minister Modi and Chinese leader Xi Jinping.
• 🇷🇺 Russia, facing international pressure, has thanked India and China for their support and efforts to resolve the Ukrainian crisis.
• 🌍 China is positioning itself as a proponent of globalism and multilateralism, contrasting its stance with what it perceives as the US weaponizing its economy.

Key Players and Geopolitical Dynamics

• 🇨🇳 Xi Jinping has urged SCO members to oppose "cold war mentality, block confrontation, and bullying," advocating for the UN and WTO as core international systems.
• 🇺🇸 China is taking advantage of the current geopolitical climate to assert its influence and present itself as a non-problematic global actor.
• 🇺🇸 Donald Trump's past positive remarks about Putin and Xi Jinping are noted as unusual in his otherwise critical approach to world leaders.

North Korea's Unexpected Attendance

• 🇰🇵 Kim Jong-un's presence at the summit is a new development, signaling North Korea's emergence from pandemic restrictions and its severe economic challenges.
• 🤝 China's expectation of solidarity against the US is a key reason for Kim's attendance, alongside North Korea's active role in the Russia-Ukraine war by reportedly sending soldiers.
• 💬 The summit provides a rare opportunity for dialogue between Kim Jong-un, Putin, and Xi Jinping to align their positions.