'Symbolic solidarity': Xi, Putin and Modi set to meet Iran's Pezeshkian

Xi Jinping arrived in Kyrgyzstan on August 31, 2026, for the opening of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit, marking his first major diplomatic engagement after a period of relative quiet. The summit, held in Bishkek, brings together leaders from China, Russia, and other key members including Iran, India, Pakistan, and Belarus. This gathering underscores the growing influence of the SCO as a counterbalance to U.S. dominance in global affairs. The timing coincides with heightened tensions over Iran, where U.S. President Donald Trump has intensified economic pressure through measures aimed at punishing Iran and its allies. The summit begins amid ongoing U.S.-Iran hostilities, with the SCO serving as a platform for symbolic solidarity. Chinese and Russian leaders, Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin, are set to meet with Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian, marking the first such encounter since the escalation of the U.S.-led campaign against Iran. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will also attend, alongside representatives from Central Asian nations, Pakistan, and Belarus. Analysts suggest that the SCO’s role in fostering a multipolar world order is becoming increasingly evident, though challenges remain in translating this vision into tangible outcomes. Henry Wang Huiyao, founder of the Centre for China and Globalisation, notes that the emergence of a new security bloc is gaining momentum. He argues that the unipolar world dominated by the United States is no longer viable. However, the effectiveness of the SCO in addressing real-world crises remains questionable. U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has warned of an “economic D-Day” targeting Iran, putting pressure on the bloc to respond decisively. Despite its expansion, now comprising 17 member states, including Iran and India, the SCO has struggled to develop robust mechanisms for collective action, particularly in the face of external pressures. The summit comes as the SCO approaches its 25th anniversary, a milestone that highlights both its growth and limitations. Founded in 2001 by China and Russia, along with Central Asian states, the organisation has evolved significantly. It now includes major economies such as India, Pakistan, and Iran, while countries like Afghanistan and Mongolia hold observer status. Dialogue partners include influential nations such as the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Egypt. Collectively, these members represent over 40% of the world’s population and nearly a quarter of global GDP, according to World Bank figures. For Xi Jinping, the summit is the start of a packed schedule. Following his arrival in Kyrgyzstan, he will travel to Egypt for a state visit and later attend the BRICS summit in New Delhi, where Russian President Vladimir Putin is also expected to participate. His upcoming meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington further underscores the complex interplay of diplomacy and geopolitics. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian emphasized that Xi will engage in “in-depth exchanges” with leaders to deepen SCO cooperation under current global conditions, stressing Beijing’s commitment to advancing collaboration in Bishkek. Xi and Putin are anticipated to hold private discussions during the summit, building on their frequent meetings since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Their relationship has become crucial for Moscow, especially given its reliance on Chinese economic support following Western sanctions. Analysts believe that the SCO serves as a strategic tool for Russia to assert its geopolitical relevance, ensuring that it is not isolated internationally. Vita Spivak, an expert on Sino-Russian relations, suggests that the summit aims to demonstrate that Russia and its leadership remain integral players in global politics. As the summit unfolds, the focus will be on whether the SCO can move beyond symbolic gestures and deliver meaningful results in a rapidly shifting international landscape.