Iran Shines at China Summit: Uniting Global South for Solidarity and Cooperation
BEIJING – The recent participation of Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian at the 2025 Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit in China underscores the strengthening strategic alignment between Iran and China. This event, held in Tianjin, marks a pivotal moment for Iran, which became an official SCO member in July 2023. Since joining, Iran has actively engaged in various cooperative initiatives, infusing new energy into the SCO’s development.
The Shanghai Cooperation Organization, established 24 years ago in response to the complex dynamics following the Cold War, has evolved from six founding members to a robust coalition of 26 nations spanning Asia, Europe, and Africa. This evolution has made the SCO the world’s largest regional cooperation body by both area and population.
Pezeshkian’s arrival in Tianjin on August 31 signifies a crucial step in cementing Iran’s role within this expansive community. The summit is notable for being the largest gathering in the SCO’s history, and it holds the unique distinction of being the first intergovernmental organization named after a Chinese city.
On the same day, Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei shared a trilingual message on the social media platform X, articulating his views on the bilateral ties between China and Iran in Chinese, Persian, and English. This multilingual approach highlights the diplomatic significance of Pezeshkian’s visit.
“Iran and China are two countries with ancient civilizations on the two sides of Asia that have the power to create a transformation in the region and the world,” Khamenei emphasized. “Implementing all the various dimensions of the strategic partnership agreement will help pave the way for this.”
The deep-rooted friendship between China and Iran was further strengthened when it was elevated to a comprehensive strategic partnership in 2016. As global dynamics rapidly evolve, the strategic importance of this relationship has become increasingly prominent.
After the SCO summit, Pezeshkian is set to participate in events commemorating the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. This participation serves as a clear signal of the enduring ties between the two nations.
A Key Platform for the Global South
The Tianjin summit arrives at a critical juncture when the international system faces disarray and unilateralism is on the rise. The SCO has emerged as a pivotal platform for the Global South, allowing member countries to find a unified voice on the global stage and chart a new path forward.
The effectiveness of the SCO in fostering cooperation among diverse nations is anchored in the “Shanghai Spirit,” a framework built upon principles such as:
- Mutual trust
- Mutual benefit
- Equality
- Consultation
- Respect for diverse civilizations
- Pursuit of common development
These guiding principles enable the SCO to manage a broad coalition of nations with varying political and economic systems and interests. The organization’s consensus-based decision-making process ensures a unified voice, which is especially crucial in today’s world, characterized by geopolitical tensions.
Utilizing these strengths, the SCO has expressed serious concern regarding escalating tensions in the Middle East. In a rare move, the organization issued a strong condemnation of a U.S. military strike on three Iranian nuclear facilities in June, labeling it a gross violation of international law and a destructive act against global peace.
The organization’s commitment to multilateralism stands as a counter to unilateral actions, a principle that has gained significance as the world transitions from a unipolar international order, dominated by Western influences since the Cold War, to a more multipolar system.
This shift is further accentuated by the diverse and unprecedented lineup of summit attendees. Alongside leaders from member states such as Russian President Vladimir Putin and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the event attracted leaders from Central Asia and nearly all Southeast Asian nations.
Notably, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s presence at the summit was significant. As a NATO member and one of the SCO’s 14 dialogue partners, his attendance underscores the expanding global appeal of the SCO.
This gathering suggests that the current international order is undergoing a substantial geopolitical transformation, enhancing the SCO’s role in promoting regional peace and stability more than ever before.
