SCO Summit: Xi, Modi Meet After 7 Years

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2 days ago

Above: Xi Jinping and Narendra Modi in Tianjin on Aug. 31, 2025. Image copyright: Narendra Modi via X

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The Spin

Establishment-critical narrative

Trump's aggressive tariff policies are pushing natural allies straight into China's arms. The 50% tariffs on Indian goods mark a major failure in American diplomacy that's pushing Modi to explore alternative partnerships. This shortsighted approach is destroying years of careful relationship-building and handing Xi exactly what he wants — a wedge between America and its potential partners in containing China's rise.

Politico

Michael McFaul on X

Pro-establishment narrative

China and India continue to support Russia's war effort by sidestepping Western sanctions and buying large volumes of Russian oil — Moscow's key export, funding the conflict, which neither nation has condemned yet. India's refusal to isolate Russia over the Ukraine war undermines global efforts to pressure Moscow, which is why the U.S. must hold China and India accountable for enabling aggression.

FOX News New York Post

Pro-China narrative

China and India, home to 2.8 billion people, have the potential to transform global dynamics through their cooperation. These ancient civilizations share common development goals and face similar challenges that necessitate partnership, rather than confrontation. The focus would be on mutual prosperity and creating a multipolar world order that serves the interests of all, not just those of Western powers.

Global Times Chatham House

Cynical narrative

Xi and Modi aim to stabilize relations, with a focus on trade and security cooperation. Yet, deep-rooted mistrust — fueled by past border clashes, strategic rivalry, and trade imbalances — continues to hinder progress. Their lack of personal rapport exacerbates the difficulty, making it challenging to establish lasting trust despite shared interests in regional stability and economic growth.

Cnbctv18 Deccan Herald