Xi Hosts Putin and Modi in Show of Global South Unity

Advanced | September 1, 2025

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A Summit of Influence: Xi Hosts Putin and Modi

At the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Tianjin, Xi hosts Putin and Modi in what many are calling a powerful display of Global South unity. The summit brought together over 20 leaders from Asia and the Middle East in a deliberate move to challenge a U.S.-led world order. When Xi hosts Putin and Modi, it signals a new era of multipolarity and regional influence. (Reuters)

Building a New Vision for Global Governance

In a pivotal speech, Xi called for “democratized international relations” and urged true multilateralism, criticizing hegemonic dominance. He launched a Global Governance Initiative, offering 2 billion yuan in aid, 10 billion yuan in loans, and plans for a development bank and AI cooperation center. (Reuters)

Putin and Modi’s Shared Stage

Putin praised the SCO’s direction toward multilateralism and promoted a Eurasian security framework that resists Euro-centric models. Modi reaffirmed that India and China are development partners—not rivals—and spoke for strategic autonomy amid U.S. tariffs. (Reuters)

Why “Xi Hosts Putin and Modi” Matters

This summit isn’t just symbolic. When Xi hosts Putin and Modi, it’s a bold step toward reshaping global power dynamics. It signals the rising influence of emerging economies in international governance. For learners of English, it’s a real-world example of leadership communication and diplomatic messaging.

Vocabulary

Multipolarity (noun) – a global order where power is spread among several nations.
Example: “The summit emphasized multipolarity and a move away from U.S. dominance.”
Multilateralism (noun) – cooperation among multiple countries to address global issues.
Example: “Xi’s speech called for true multilateralism across regions.”
Hegemonism (noun) – dominance by one country or group over others.
Example: “Xi criticized hegemonism in international affairs.”
Global South (noun) – countries in Asia, Africa, and Latin America collectively asserting influence.
Example: “Global South unity was the main theme of the summit.”
Development bank (noun) – a financial institution aimed at promoting economic growth.
Example: “Xi announced plans to establish a new SCO development bank.”
Strategic autonomy (noun) – a country’s ability to make policies independently.
Example: “Modi emphasized India’s strategic autonomy in international relations.”
Aid (noun) – assistance given to countries, especially in financial or technical form.
Example: “China pledged significant aid to SCO member countries.”
Lo and behold (idiom) – a phrase used to introduce a surprising development.
Example: “He said he wanted independence and, lo and behold, got it.”
Vision (noun) – a guiding idea or plan for the future.
Example: “Xi presented a new vision for global governance.”
Summit (noun) – a high-level meeting between leaders.
Example: “The SCO summit featured leaders like Xi, Putin, and Modi.”

Discussion Questions (About the Article)

What was the main message when Xi hosts Putin and Modi?
What does Xi’s “Global Governance Initiative” promise?
How did Putin and Modi each contribute to the summit’s narrative?
Why might India and China emphasize being “development partners—not rivals”?
What does the creation of a development bank and AI center signal about China’s role?

Discussion Questions (About the Topic)

What does multipolarity mean for the future of global politics?
In what ways could a Global South-focused alliance reshape world diplomacy?
How might traditional Western-led systems respond to this shift?
Can initiatives like China’s weaken U.S. economic influence?
What challenges might SCO face in uniting diverse nations?

Related Idiom

“Lo and behold” – used to express surprise at something happening.
Example: “The president promised reforms—and, lo and behold, they started the next day.”

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This article was inspired by Reuters, AP News, News.com.au, and The Australian.