Riding in an open-top limousine, Xi then inspected the troops and cutting-edge military equipment such as missiles, tanks and drones.
The SCO Summit: A Rare Display of Camaraderie The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit held in Tianjin became one of the most defining diplomatic events of recent years. At a time when global politics is increasingly polarized, the coming together of Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi symbolized a rare and powerful show of unity. Despite persistent tensions between India and China, particularly after the border clashes in Ladakh, both leaders chose pragmatism over hostility by standing side by side with Russia, sending a clear signal of strategic maturity. This meeting represented not only a moment of dialogue but also a demonstration of collective resilience against U.S.-led Western influence and policies of sanctions and tariffs. For many observers, the summit was less about resolving disputes and more about projecting a message: that the world is no longer unipolar, and that power is shifting toward Asia and the Global South.
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Challenging U.S. Influence and the Trade War Backdrop The timing of this summit and its symbolism could not have been more significant. The United States, under President Donald Trump, has continued to escalate trade wars, impose tariffs, and apply sanctions as tools of pressure against China, Russia, and even India in some instances. Against this backdrop, the visible unity of Xi, Putin, and Modi sent a direct diplomatic message to Washington: the days of unquestioned Western dominance are waning. The emphasis on multilateralism and the rights of the “Global South” reflected a broader consensus that the world must not remain tethered to Western-controlled institutions like the IMF, World Bank, or NATO. Instead, the SCO platform promoted alternative frameworks for cooperation, rooted in sovereignty, equality, and shared economic growth. This was not just a meeting of leaders but a reminder that Asia, housing over half the world’s population, has the capacity to set its own rules and drive a new global order.
Xi’s Military Parade: A Spectacle of Power and Confidence Following the SCO summit, Xi Jinping presided over an elaborate military parade in Beijing commemorating the 80th anniversary of victory over Japanese aggression in World War II. This event was not just ceremonial; it was carefully designed to amplify China’s image as a global power ready to defend its interests. Riding in an open-top limousine, Xi inspected formations of troops, tanks, and advanced equipment including hypersonic missiles, stealth fighter jets, and AI-enabled drones. The presence of world leaders like Putin and Kim Jong Un added to the spectacle, making the parade not only a military display but also a diplomatic performance. By showcasing cutting-edge weaponry, China made clear its readiness to defend its sovereignty while also cautioning adversaries that its military modernization program has reached new heights. For the Chinese public, this parade reinforced national pride; for the global audience, it underscored China’s capability to challenge any attempt at containment or interference.
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The Emerging Axis of Multipolarity The trio of Xi, Putin, and Modi together conveyed more than symbolic friendship—it represented the emerging architecture of multipolarity. Russia and China, long viewed as strategic partners balancing against the West, now have India as a participant in selective global dialogues despite its traditional alignment with Western democracies. This triangular equation has the potential to shape everything from energy cooperation and trade routes to defence strategies and regional security. Though India has concerns about China’s Belt and Road Initiative and shares friction over borders, its participation signalled that economic and strategic interests can sometimes outweigh historical disputes. For Russia, the partnership offered a chance to strengthen its role as a bridge between Beijing and New Delhi, while also challenging NATO’s expanding influence. Collectively, the message was unmistakable: no single nation, not even the United States, can dictate the terms of global governance anymore.
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A Direct Message to the West: The Rise of the Global South The cumulative events of the SCO summit and the Beijing parade delivered a resounding message to Western powers: the balance of global power is shifting. By emphasizing the idea of the “Global South,” Xi Jinping highlighted the aspirations of developing nations that often feel marginalized in Western-led forums. This narrative positions China not merely as a competitor to the U.S., but as a leader of an alternative world order rooted in inclusivity and sovereignty. For the West, particularly Washington and its allies in Europe, this presents a challenge to their long-standing influence in international institutions. The show of military might, paired with visible diplomatic unity, was designed to project defiance and determination. It was China’s way of stating that its rise is inevitable, irreversible, and will not be dictated by Western terms.
China’s “big moment” after the Xi-Putin-Modi meeting and subsequent military parade in Beijing encapsulated a new era of global politics. The SCO summit underscored growing cooperation among major Asian powers, even in the face of disagreements. Xi’s parade showcased not only military advancements but also the confidence of a nation determined to safeguard its sovereignty and expand its influence. Together, these events mark a turning point in international relations: the transition from Western hegemony to a multipolar world order. The message to the West was loud and clear—global governance can no longer be monopolized by a few, as Asia and the Global South rise to claim their rightful place in shaping the future.
