Strengthening Alliances: Xi, Putin, and Modi's Vision for a Multipolar World

In a significant showcase of diplomatic alignment, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin convened for a bilateral meeting in Beijing on Tuesday, as reported by the state agency Xinhua. This meeting follows their joint representation at the 25th Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit alongside Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, where all three leaders shared a vision that counters Western dominance, particularly in the context of global security and economic stability. Putin expressed gratitude for the collaborative efforts among China, India, and other SCO partners aimed at bringing about an end to the ongoing war in Ukraine. He noted that the West's attempts to integrate Ukraine into NATO are among the root causes of the conflict. This sentiment echoes a broader call from the SCO leaders for a multipolar world, characterized by respect for national sovereignty and the prioritization of dialogue over aggression. The timing of this meeting is notable, coinciding with preparations for a military parade marking the 80th anniversary of the conclusion of World War II in the Pacific. The event, scheduled for tomorrow at Tiananmen Square, will also see the attendance of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, who arrived in China on Tuesday for the occasion. His visit marks a significant step towards rejuvenating ties with Beijing, which had somewhat frayed in recent years due to North Korea's increased military cooperation with Russia. During his address at the SCO summit, Putin emphasized the necessity of addressing the root causes of conflicts to achieve lasting, sustainable resolutions. He reflected on his last meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump, suggesting that the understanding reached during that encounter could pave the way for peace. This indicates Russia's willingness to engage in dialogue, even while criticizing Western policies. In contrast, President Xi criticized the West’s hegemony and stressed the importance of the SCO as a cornerstone for multipolarity and the democratization of international relations. His remarks that the SCO should reject external interference in member countries' internal affairs, particularly under the guise of human rights, reflect a growing trend of regional leaders asserting greater sovereignty against Western influence. The SCO, currently representing nearly 40% of the world's population, unanimously condemned the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and voiced their disapproval of the trade tensions instigated by Trump's tariff policies. This declaration reaffirms their commitment to a unified front in support of a multipolar world that challenges the traditional Western-led global order. As for Kim Jong-un's participation, it is considered a strategic move to reaffirm North Korea's alliance with China amidst its commitment to enhancing military ties with Russia. The growing military cooperation and mutual assistance clauses included in recent agreements further indicate the shifting dynamics in international relations, as countries like North Korea seek stronger partnerships to counter Western scrutiny and sanctions. The interactions among Xi, Putin, and Modi underscore a significant shift towards a consolidated multipolar approach, where these nations are taking definitive steps to establish a new world order based on shared interests and collective security. The upcoming military parade will not only mark a historical occasion but will also serve as a visual representation of the new alliances that are forming in response to shifting global power dynamics. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2