Chinese President Xi Jinping delivered a sharp rebuke against what he described as “bullying” in the global system during the opening of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit, a remark widely interpreted as a response to US President Donald Trump’s aggressive tariff policies. Speaking to leaders from across Asia and beyond, Xi urged nations to reject coercive practices in international affairs and instead uphold fairness, justice, and multilateral cooperation.
His remarks came at a tense moment in global trade relations. China has consistently condemned the Trump administration’s tariff measures, which have targeted multiple countries, including India. Although a temporary truce remains in place after Trump postponed a new wave of tariffs on Beijing for 90 days, uncertainty looms large. Just a week before the summit, Trump escalated tensions once again by threatening to impose 200 per cent tariffs on rare-earth magnet exports, should China restrict its supplies to the United States.
Addressing more than 20 heads of state—including Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and leaders from Central Asia, South Asia, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia—Xi issued a broad critique of hegemonism and unilateralism. Without naming the US directly, he accused certain powers of pursuing domination and interference at the expense of equitable global development. “The global situation remains volatile and turbulent,” Xi cautioned, before calling on the international community to safeguard the legitimate development rights of all nations.
Xi used the platform to reaffirm China’s commitment to multilateralism and international cooperation. He underscored the central role of the United Nations in global governance and defended the integrity of the international trading system, both of which he argued were under threat from unilateral economic actions. “We uphold justice and fairness, and oppose hegemony and power politics,” he declared. “Constructive participation in international affairs must be based on respect, not domination.”
Turning to the role of the SCO itself, Xi described the organisation as a community of “friends and partners.” He urged members to respect differences, enhance strategic communication, and strengthen solidarity in the face of global challenges. By doing so, he argued, SCO members could build a framework of cooperation that would allow their diverse cultures to “flourish in prosperity and harmony.”
The Tianjin summit also symbolised a display of Global South solidarity, with China positioning the SCO as a credible alternative to Western-led institutions. Xi portrayed the organisation as “a model for a new type of international relations” and pledged to elevate it to “a new stage of development.” His vision for the SCO included deeper economic integration, stronger security coordination, and enhanced cultural exchange among member nations.
Backing his words with concrete proposals, Xi announced a series of initiatives aimed at bolstering the SCO’s capacity and influence. He advocated for the swift establishment of an SCO Development Bank, along with the creation of a regional centre dedicated to addressing security challenges. Furthermore, he promised the rollout of 100 small-scale livelihood projects across SCO member states, particularly in regions most in need of developmental support.
Highlighting the organisation’s economic potential, Xi pointed out that the combined GDP of SCO member countries is nearing USD 30 trillion. He also emphasised that Chinese investment in these states has already surpassed USD 84 billion, a figure he presented as proof of the SCO’s growing economic clout on the world stage. In Xi’s words, these investments are not merely financial transactions but a demonstration of China’s commitment to fostering long-term partnerships and shared prosperity within the bloc.
