20 Nations Unite to Challenge Western Dominance in Asia

Tianjin, China – The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit opened today (Sunday) in the northern port city of Tianjin, in what analysts describe as the largest and most consequential gathering since the bloc’s founding in 2001. Nearly 20 heads of state and senior leaders are taking part, including Russian President Vladimir Putin, Chinese President Xi Jinping, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi – and, for the first time, Iran.

A Counterweight to the West

The summit is widely viewed as a deliberate counterweight to Western power structures, particularly as the war in Ukraine drags on and the United States and Europe continue to impose sweeping sanctions on Moscow. By hosting the summit and placing it firmly on Chinese soil, Beijing is signaling its commitment to building an alternative world order – one not dictated by Washington, Brussels, or NATO.

For Russia, the optics could not be clearer. Putin’s appearance alongside Xi Jinping reinforces Moscow’s message that Western attempts at isolation have failed. “The partnership with China is stronger and more stable than ever,” the Kremlin announced as the Russian president landed in Tianjin.

India and China: A Fragile Thaw

Among the most closely watched participants was Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, whose country has clashed repeatedly with China over border disputes and regional influence. His arrival followed a stop in Japan, underscoring New Delhi’s careful balancing act between East and West.

Modi and Xi met privately in what both sides described as a “turning point” in the strained relationship. Xi went so far as to use rare metaphorical language, likening India to an “elephant” and China to a “dragon,” stressing that both giants must “move in the same direction” for the benefit of the Global South. Modi, for his part, promised to build ties “on trust and mutual sensitivity,” noting that cooperation between the two Asian powers directly affects the lives of 2.8 billion people.

Iran’s Seat at the Table

The inclusion of Iran – invited officially for the first time – adds further weight to the perception that the SCO is evolving into an “Axis of Resistance” forum. Alongside Pakistan, Turkey, and Malaysia, Tehran’s presence reflects both China and Russia’s interest in amplifying their alliances with governments openly hostile to Western foreign policy.

Observers note that Tehran’s presence comes at a time of heightened tension in the Middle East, with Israel confronting Iranian-backed proxies in Lebanon, Syria, Yemen, and Gaza. Bringing Iran into the SCO mainstream provides it with international legitimacy – and gives China and Russia another card to play against U.S. interests in the region.

Beyond Security: A New Global Agenda

While the SCO began as a security-focused bloc, it has grown into a platform for trade, energy, infrastructure, and cultural cooperation. This year’s summit agenda included discussions on easing border controls, restarting direct flights between India and China, and coordinating development projects across Eurasia.

Yet the symbolism remains unmistakable: this is not just about cooperation, but about constructing a parallel vision of global governance. In the words of one Chinese commentator, “the SCO is not merely a regional forum – it is the backbone of a multipolar world order.”

A Challenge to the West

For Washington and European capitals, the Tianjin summit underscores the growing challenge of dealing with a consolidated bloc of authoritarian and semi-authoritarian states. With Russia, China, India, Iran, and others standing side by side, the SCO is positioning itself as an ideological rival to NATO, the G7, and the EU.

As Putin thundered against Western sanctions and Xi called for “strategic patience” in building a new order, the message was unmistakable: the West no longer gets to set the rules alone.