Key Facts
• August 31: Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit begins in Tianjin, China.
• Over 20 foreign leaders, including Vladimir Putin and Narendra Modi, are attending.
• United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres and 10 other international leaders present.
• September 1: Summit concludes; leaders move to Beijing for military parade.
• September 3: Parade marks 80th anniversary of victory in the Anti-Japanese War.
• Parade arrangement: Xi Jinping flanked by Putin (right) and Kim Jong Un (left).
• North Korea seeks to improve relations with China; potential Xi-Kim meeting.
• “Tianjin Declaration” and WWII-themed joint statement to be adopted.
• Laos to join SCO as a “dialogue partner.”
• SCO, founded in 2001, now includes 10 member states and 26 participating countries.
Summary
The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit commenced on August 31 in Tianjin, China, with over 20 foreign leaders, including Russian President Vladimir Putin and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in attendance. The summit, described by China as a key diplomatic event of the year, will conclude on September 1, followed by a military parade in Beijing on September 3 to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Anti-Japanese War victory. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is expected to attend, with potential talks to improve China-North Korea relations. The parade will feature Xi Jinping, Putin, and Kim Jong Un together, symbolizing trilateral collaboration. Key outcomes of the summit include the “Tianjin Declaration,” a WWII-themed joint statement, and Laos joining as a dialogue partner. Established in 2001, the SCO continues to expand its influence, now involving 10 member states and 26 participating countries.
