The annual gathering of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) is taking place this week in the Chinese port city of Tianjin. There are 10 member states in the Beijing backed SCO - including China itself, Russia and India, Pakistan and Iran - and 16 dialogue partners and observers, including some like Armenia and Azerbaijan who aspire to be full members. Leaders of the 26 countries have been arriving in Tianjin for the summit.
The summit itself is largely symbolic but will allow leaders to air common grievances and shared interests.
The organisation was created by China, Russia and four Central Asian countries in 2001 as a countermeasure to limit the influence of Western alliances such as NATO.
This year's gathering is the largest since the organisation was founded.
For Tianjin, the summit has become a major event with banners and billboards promoting it throughout the northern port city.
At night tens of thousands of local spectators have been cramming into the riverside area to see a lightshow displayed on tower blocks while the gathering is taking place.
The streets have been heavily crowded - making it difficult for people to even move, especially on and around the historic Jiefang Bridge.
The meeting comes days before the massive military parade that will mark 80 years since the end of World War II.
source: commonspace.eu with BBC (London) and agencies.
photo: The square of Tianjin Railway Station on August 26, 2025. Photo: VCG/Global Times (Beijing)
