From August 31 to September 1, 2025, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit will be held in Tianjin. This marks the fifth time China has hosted the SCO Summit and is set to be the largest since the organization’s establishment.

In June 2001, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization was founded on the banks of the Huangpu River. It was the first international organization initiated by China and named after a Chinese city. Today, the SCO has grown into a major international body, representing nearly half of the world’s population and about a quarter of the global economy.

Why does the SCO possess such strong cohesion and appeal? Why is the upcoming Tianjin Summit drawing so much attention? Explore these key points below:

Shanghai Cooperation Organization

The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) is a Eurasian political, economic, and security alliance founded in 2001 by the leaders of China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. It originated from the “Shanghai Five” mechanism, established in 1996 to resolve border disputes and build trust following the dissolution of the Soviet Union. Today, it is one of the world’s largest regional organizations, focusing on mutual security and economic cooperation among its member states.

Tianjin

Tianjin is a major port city in northern China with a rich history as a treaty port, which is reflected in its unique architectural blend of European and traditional Chinese styles. It grew significantly during the late Qing Dynasty and was the site of foreign concessions in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Today, it is a vibrant economic center and municipality directly under the central government.

Huangpu River

The Huangpu River is a 113-kilometer-long river flowing through Shanghai, historically serving as the city’s main waterway and commercial artery since the Ming Dynasty. It gained prominence in the 19th century as the Huangpu became the heart of the foreign concessions and the Bund, which developed into a global financial center. Today, it remains a iconic symbol of Shanghai, separating the historic Puxi area from the modern skyscrapers of Pudong.