Xi’s new global order

Image - Ran Liwen

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On September 1st, China hosted a Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit with leaders from Russia, India, Iran and other non-Western states. The meeting underscored a challenge to the “Western order we are so used to.” Xi Jinping declared: “We must continue to take a clear stand against hegemonism and power politics, and practise true multilateralism.”

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The atmosphere was friendlier than most recent U.S. encounters. Modi shook hands with Putin and Xi, while Putin called Modi a “dear friend.” India brushed aside U.S. pressure to stop buying Russian oil, strengthening ties despite Trump’s tariffs. Russia, meanwhile, remains dependent on China, while Xi seeks to end the unipolar world and present China as an alternative pole of power.

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Two days later, on September 3rd, Xi, Putin and Kim Jong Un stood shoulder to shoulder at a Beijing parade marking 80 years since the end of World War II. Trump posted: “Please give my warmest regards to Vladimir Putin, and Kim Jong Un, as you conspire against The United States of America.” Putin countered that “no negative judgement” of the U.S. administration was voiced. Analysts warned against over interpreting the display, noting China’s caution toward North Korea’s nuclear program. Still, the parade symbolised Russia’s enduring ties with China and Kim’s diplomatic win despite UN sanctions.

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India remains in a middle ground, tightening relations with both the U.S. and Russia/China. After Trump’s 50% tariffs, New Delhi has moved closer to Moscow and Beijing—but not into an order against Washington.

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The parade’s deeper meaning was twofold: to show China as a global military power and to signal a non-Western order. Among the surprises was the DF-61, which had not been announced in advance and appeared unexpectedly in the parade. It was joined by the DF-5C, capable of reaching targets over 20,000 km away with improved speed and precision. China revealed that 84% of the equipment was new—the highest share in its history. This display also carried a warning to the U.S and allies on Taiwan: intervention could come at high cost.

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Chinese audiences celebrated the showcase, though the U.S. and Russia still hold far larger nuclear arsenals. More confirmation than forecast of conflict, the events projected China’s rising power, its global ambitions, and its challenge to the West.