SCO Summit 2018: China's Growing Influence on the World Stage
Introduction
The SCO summit, held in Qingdao, China, is set to be a grand affair with Chinese President Xi Jinping welcoming world leaders, including Russia's Vladimir Putin and India's Narendra Modi. The summit comes at a time when global relations are being upended by the United States under the Trump administration. As China seeks to strengthen its presence on the world stage, the summit is expected to be filled with grand optics and strategic alliances.
Key Details
The SCO (Shanghai Cooperation Organization) was formed in 2001 and has since grown to include eight member states. The summit aims to deepen cooperation between these countries in the areas of security, economy, and culture. This year, the focus will be on trade and investment, with the signing of several agreements expected. The presence of leaders from countries like Iran, Afghanistan, and Turkey adds to the geopolitical significance of the summit.
Impact
The optics of the summit, with the red carpet rolled out for Putin and Modi, sends a strong message to the world about China's growing influence and its efforts to counterbalance the US. The summit also highlights the shifting dynamics in global relations, with China taking on a more prominent role in shaping them. As the world watches the developments at the SCO summit, it is clear that China is making its mark on the world stage.
