Tianjin, China, Sept. 4 — A photograph of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chinese President Xi Jinping, and Russian President Vladimir Putin smiling together at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit has reignited discussions over a potential shift in global power dynamics.
The image, showing the leaders warmly engaging, including Modi clasping Putin’s hand and laughing while Xi smiled alongside them, has been interpreted by analysts as symbolising a rising Asia-led geopolitical alignment. The summit also featured leaders of Iran and North Korea, leading US political commentator Van Jones to remark on CNN, “That image of Xi Jinping with Putin, with Modi from India, with the leader of Iran, with the leader of North Korea — that should send a chill down the spine of every American.”
Held in Tianjin, the SCO gathering brought together nations increasingly at odds with the United States, facing tariffs and diplomatic friction that some analysts describe as contributing to the emergence of an anti-Western bloc. The New York Times noted that the display of camaraderie was a deliberate message: the Xi-Putin alliance signalled a challenge to the Western-led order, while India’s participation highlighted New Delhi’s intent to diversify its diplomatic relationships amid growing tensions with Washington over trade.
The Washington Post and CNN echoed similar assessments, describing the summit as a showcase of a rising alternative to Western leadership, with the SCO evolving from a regional forum into a significant geopolitical bloc. President Xi, in his keynote speech, rejected Cold War mentalities, power blocs, and unilateralism, advocating instead for a multipolar world and a fairer global governance system centred on the United Nations.
The summit coincided with a major military parade in Beijing marking the 80th anniversary of Japan’s World War II surrender. Xi, Putin, and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un appeared side by side as advanced Chinese military hardware was showcased to large crowds. In his address, Xi called for lasting peace and warned against returning to a world where “the strong prey on the weak.”
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump responded with sarcasm on Truth Social, writing: “May President Xi and the wonderful people of China have a great and lasting day of celebration. Please give my warmest regards to Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong Un, as you conspire against the United States of America.”
The photographs and proceedings of the SCO summit have sparked debate among observers about the formation of an emerging coalition that could recalibrate global alliances and challenge longstanding Western influence.
