The 25th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit will take place on August 31 – September 1, 2025, in Tianjin, China. China’s leadership, led by President Xi Jinping, will host this important gathering under the “SCO Plus” format alongside the main Council of Heads of State. It marks the largest summit in the history of the SCO, featuring over 20 heads of state and leaders of 10 international organizations.
This summit underscores the SCO’s expanding scope—transitioning from regional security and counterterrorism to comprehensive economic, political, and diplomatic cooperation, enriching its influence across Eurasia.
Sources & Context: Preparations began with a Council of Foreign Ministers meeting in mid-July; Assistant Foreign Minister Liu Bin announced the scale of participation; the summit aligns with efforts to uphold the “Shanghai Spirit” and bolster neighbourhood diplomacy.
Participating Countries & Leaders
Member States
Key heads of state and government expected to attend include:
- China – President and SCO Chair: Xi Jinping
- Russia – President Vladimir Putin
- India – Prime Minister Narendra Modi
- Pakistan – Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif
- Iran – President Masoud Pezeshkian
- Kazakhstan – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev
- Kyrgyzstan – President Sadyr Japarov
- Tajikistan – President Emomali Rahmon
- Uzbekistan – President Shavkat Mirziyoyev
- Belarus – President Alexander Lukashenko
- Mongolia – President Ukhnaa Khurelsukh
Observer & Dialogue Countries (Tentative Attendances)
- Armenia – Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan
- Azerbaijan – President Ilham Aliyev
- Cambodia – Prime Minister Hun Manet
- Indonesia – President Prabowo Subianto
- Laos – President Thongloun Sisoulith
- Malaysia – Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim
- Maldives – President Mohamed Muizzu
- Nepal – Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli
- Turkey – President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan
- Egypt – Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly
- Turkmenistan – President Serdar Berdimuhamedov
- Vietnam – Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh
International Organizations (~10 Heads Expected)
These include leaders from the United Nations, New Development Bank, and other regional bodies.
Summit Agenda – Key Focus Areas
- Neighbourhood Diplomacy & Regional Stability
- Strengthen intra-regional cooperation among member states
- Address regional flashpoints and uphold multilateral dialogue
- Security & Counterterrorism
- Cement the “Shanghai Spirit” of cooperation
- Enhance coordination via the SCO’s Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS)
- Economic Integration & Trade Cooperation
- Drive economic connectivity across Eurasia
- Explore trade facilitation, infrastructure linkages, and use of local currencies
- Digital Economy & Innovation
- Emphasize digital Silk Road initiatives and sovereign technology cooperation
- Cultural Exchange & Urban Partnerships
- Leverage pre-summit initiatives such as the “Dialogue of Mayors”, highlighting sustainable urban governance and cultural integration
- Global South Solidarity & Multi-Alignment
- Project a collective Global South identity and balance Western-centric global governance models
Summary Table
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Dates & Venue | August 31 – September 1, 2025 — Tianjin, China |
| Host & Chair | President Xi Jinping of China |
| Participation | 20+ heads of state/government; 10+ heads of international organizations |
| Member State Leaders | Includes leaders from China, Russia, India, Pakistan, Iran, Central Asia, etc. |
| Agenda Highlights | Diplomacy, security, economy, digital cooperation, urban collaboration, Global South positioning |