The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit opened on Sunday in the Chinese city of Tianjin, bringing together key world leaders at a time of mounting geopolitical strains and shifting alliances.

Chinese President Xi Jinping, delivering a keynote speech, condemned what he described as geopolitical "bullying behavior," warning that the international order has become increasingly “chaotic and intertwined.” Xi emphasized the need for the SCO to play a stabilizing role in promoting security and cooperation.

Russian President Vladimir Putin, who received a red carpet welcome, used the platform to defend Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine, framing it as a necessary step to safeguard Russia’s interests. His remarks came amid ongoing criticism from the West over the war and its humanitarian toll.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, making his first visit to China in seven years, met with Xi on the sidelines of the summit. The two leaders discussed ways to mend ties strained by recent border tensions, with both sides expressing cautious optimism about improving bilateral relations.

The two-day summit, which runs through Monday, is expected to focus on regional security, economic cooperation, and strengthening unity among member states in the face of global challenges.