A China-led counter

The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Tianjin, a major port in northern China, from August 31 to September 1 is the largest ever in history.

- ANITA INDER SINGH

It is taking place as the world faces a Trumpian trade and tariff war, which is destabilising the global financial system. Additionally, as America disrupts the world and cuts aid to the United Nations (UN), the outstanding guest is UN Secretary-General António Guterres who has hailed China as a cornerstone in defending multilateralism.

President Xi Jinping, in turn, has assured him that China is a "reliable partner" to the UN. Xi has already met several leaders from Asia, Europe, and Africa, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi who are attending the summit. To Modi, Xi has stressed that their countries should be rivals not partners. A "cooperative pas de deux of the dragon and the elephant" should be the right choice for the two countries, he said.

As India confronts the full force of Trump's trade assault, Modi has asserted that India is committed to strengthening bilateral ties based on trust, respect, and sensitivity.

Together with other member-states, China aims to present a rival front to America's globally disruptive practices.