The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit opened in Tianjin on 31 August, gathering leaders from across Eurasia and the Global South.

The gathering highlighted not only regional security and economic cooperation but also the evolving role of the organisation as a platform for shaping the international order beyond Western influence.

Azerbaijani–Chinese meeting in Tianjin

On the sidelines of the summit, President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev met with Chinese President Xi Jinping. The two statesmen posed for an official photograph before moving into talks that underlined the strength of their partnership.

Xi welcomed the Azerbaijani leader as “my dear friend” and thanked him for accepting his invitation to attend the SCO Plus summit, as well as ceremonies marking the 80th anniversary of China’s victory over foreign military aggression. The Chinese president stressed that ties with Baku have reached the level of a comprehensive strategic partnership, recalling Aliyev’s previous state visit to Beijing as a turning point.

Xi pointed to the growth in trade, the expansion of cooperation in renewable energy and the digital economy, and the rising importance of Azerbaijan in China’s Belt and Road initiative. He highlighted the efficiency of the Trans-Caspian route, a vital link for Chinese cargo through the Middle Corridor.

The Chinese head of state affirmed his country’s respect for Azerbaijan’s independent development model, its principle of non-interference, and the importance of direct dialogue between Baku and Yerevan for long-term peace.

Aliyev on priorities and foreign policy

The Azerbaijani president thanked Xi for the invitation and congratulated China on the anniversary commemorations. He described relations with Beijing as one of the priorities of Azerbaijan’s foreign policy and stressed the significance of the comprehensive strategic partnership document signed during his earlier state visit.

Aliyev reiterated Baku’s support for China’s position on Taiwan, Hong Kong and Xinjiang, recalling that Azerbaijan was among the first states to denounce the elections held in Taiwan. He underlined the sharp rise in trade turnover, the growing volume of Chinese cargo transiting through Azerbaijan, and the development of tourism following the introduction of visa-free travel.

Turning to regional issues, Aliyev said negotiations with Armenia on normalisation and peace are continuing on a bilateral basis, stressing that peace has already been achieved between the two countries.

Hikmat Hajiyev on future cooperation

Hikmat Hajiyev, foreign policy adviser to the Azerbaijani president, offered further details on the scope of cooperation:

“China and Azerbaijan always support one another. We have high-level political engagement and a comprehensive strategic partnership. Along with traditional trade, we see potential in technological development, energy, renewables and modern technologies.”

He added that Aliyev would hold extensive meetings with Chinese companies in energy, communications, technology and other sectors. Beyond commerce, Hajiyev pointed to humanitarian exchanges, tourism, and cultural engagement as areas with strong prospects for growth.

Wider summit context

The Tianjin summit also hosted a meeting between Xi and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, where both sides agreed to deepen cooperation and support each other’s core interests.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, attending his first visit to China in seven years, held direct talks with Xi as well. The two neighbours, often at odds over their Himalayan border, signalled a thaw. Modi spoke of a “peace and stability” atmosphere on the frontier, while both sides emphasised that border disputes should not define the overall relationship.

With around 20 world figures in attendance, including Russian President Vladimir Putin, the SCO’s two-day summit is one of the largest gatherings since the organisation’s founding in 2001. It showcases the group’s growing weight as a forum for security, trade and diplomacy across Eurasia.

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