Tianjin: Diplomacy at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit is getting a futuristic edge this year. As world leaders gather in Tianjin for the 25th Heads of State Council meeting, a humanoid robot named Xiao He has been deployed to assist journalists and delegates, showcasing China’s drive to merge tradition with cutting-edge technology.
The SCO summit, being held from August 31 to September 1, is expected to be the largest in the organisation’s history, with participation from over 20 nations. For the first time, media personnel covering the event will be supported by an AI-powered humanoid capable of offering multilingual assistance, real-time updates, and smooth communication across cultural and linguistic barriers.
Introducing itself to ANI, Xiao He described its role: “I am a specialised humanoid AI assistant for the 2025 SCO Summit. My purpose is to deliver multilingual support, process information instantly, and interact in line with international protocol.” The robot highlighted its emotional recognition systems, adaptive learning features, and knowledge databases designed to enhance efficiency for reporters and summit organisers alike.
Beyond technology, the summit will also shine a light on Tianjin’s cultural richness. Media zones have been set up for foreign and domestic press, and attendees will experience live demonstrations of traditional crafts such as Yangliuqing woodblock printing in a dedicated cultural heritage zone.
Founded in 2001, the SCO has grown into one of the world’s most influential regional blocs. Its full members now include China, Russia, India, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Iran, with Belarus, Mongolia, and Afghanistan serving as observers.
On the political front, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will arrive in Tianjin after concluding a two-day visit to Tokyo, where he met Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba. Calling the trip “productive” in a message on X, Modi expressed optimism for the future of India-Japan ties. At the SCO, he is scheduled to hold key bilateral meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
As the summit opens, Xiao He may not be seated at the negotiation tables, but its presence signals how technology is becoming an integral part of global diplomacy bridging languages, cultures, and now even the gap between human and machine.