Editor's note: Wang Zhi, a special commentator on current affairs for CGTN, is executive director and professor at the Center for Studies on Central Asia and the Caspian Rim, Xi'an International Studies University. The article reflects the author's opinions and not necessarily those of CGTN.

The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit is taking place from August 31 to September 1, 2025, in Tianjin, China. Leaders from over 20 countries and 10 international organizations are expected to attend, making it one of the largest and most representative gatherings in the SCO's history. Against the backdrop of global geopolitical turbulence and challenges to multilateralism, the Tianjin Summit represents not only a significant milestone for the SCO's development but also a landmark event marking its transition from a regional organization to one with increasing global influence.

Enhancing global influence: Expanding from a regional to a global platform

Since its establishment in 2001, the SCO has evolved from an initial mechanism focused on Central Asian security cooperation into a comprehensive organization covering major countries across Eurasia. Its member states account for approximately 42 percent of the global population and around 23 percent of the global nominal GDP, spanning about 65 percent of the Eurasian landmass. In addition to member states, observer states, and dialogue partners, UN Secretary-General António Guterres was also present during the Tianjin Summit. This broad participation demonstrated that the SCO has become a diverse platform for cooperation with global significance.

In the economic sphere, the SCO has promoted several regional initiatives, such as the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway project, energy dialogue mechanisms, and plans for a development bank. These efforts have fostered greater cooperation by promoting connectivity among member states and offering a new development path for the Global South. Particularly under the shadow of U.S. trade protectionist policies, the SCO's advocacy for multilateral economic cooperation has become an important force in maintaining the stability of global trade.

The "Shanghai Spirit" and regional stability: Contributions to managing conflicts and differences

The core principle of the SCO is the "Shanghai Spirit," combined with the "new security concept," the organization has played a unique role in addressing regional conflicts and differences among its members. Regarding the situation of Iran, the SCO issued a joint statement expressing "serious concern" and "strong condemnation" of Israel's attacks on Iran, calling for adherence to international law principles. Despite differing positions among members, the organization successfully coordinated a common stance, demonstrating its conflict management capabilities. On the issue between India and Pakistan, although the two countries experienced a serious military conflict in 2025, the SCO helped prevent further escalation by providing a dialogue platform. This indicates that the SCO has not fractured due to major power disagreements but has instead become an important forum for balancing Western narratives and advocating multipolar solutions.

The Tianjin Summit: A critical moment for advancing global governance

The Tianjin Summit has been described by some media outlets as a "stress test" for the SCO. Its significance lies not only in its large scale but also in how it symbolizes the organization's move towards greater global influence.

First, the summit is expected to adopt the SCO Development Strategy until 2035, which will set a framework for the organization's development over the next decade. This strategy will likely strengthen institutional development, such as expanding the functions of the Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS), establishing a development bank, and promoting cooperation in emerging areas like energy and artificial intelligence. These measures will enhance the SCO's substantive functions, helping to counter criticisms that it is "more form than substance."

Second, the summit will highlight the exemplary value of the "Shanghai Spirit" for global governance. Amid rising hegemonism and unilateralism, the SCO's adherence to these principles offers an alternative paradigm for global governance. Chinese Assistant Minister of Foreign Affair Liu Bin criticized "hegemonism" before the summit, stressing that "the more turbulent the international situation, the greater the need for solidarity and cooperation," which is precisely the SCO's response to current global challenges.

Finally, the Tianjin Summit may promote the institutionalization of the "SCO-plus" model. By inviting non-member states and international organizations to participate, the SCO is building a more inclusive network. Its influence will extend beyond Eurasia to the Middle East and Africa. This expansion is not based on military alliance but on a multilateralism centered on development and security cooperation, which holds natural appeal for Global South countries.

The Tianjin Summit is not just a reflection of the SCO's 24-year history since its founding but also a new starting point for its role as a global multilateral mechanism. Despite internal differences and challenges, its conceptual framework and practical experience are providing a more equal, inclusive, and pragmatic alternative for global governance. After the Tianjin Summit, the SCO is expected to gradually evolve from a regional cooperation organization into an important force shaping the international order of the 21st century.

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