Washington: A striking photograph capturing Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi alongside Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit has stirred intense commentary in Western media. The image, showing the four leaders smiling and interacting warmly, has been interpreted by some US analysts as a signal of a shifting global balance of power.
Prominent political commentator Van Jones described the image on CNN as one that “should send a chill down the spine of every American.” He characterized the gathering as emblematic of a “new world order” in which the United States faces an increasingly multipolar world. “We’re going to look back on today historically as a very big deal,” Jones stated, pointing to the camaraderie between the Asian leaders as a potential challenge to US influence.
The SCO summit, held in Tianjin, China, featured moments of visible warmth: PM Modi clasped Mr. Putin’s hand while laughing, and Mr. Xi maintained a measured smile as the leaders posed for group photographs. Other images from the event showed the leaders walking side by side and exchanging animated greetings, signaling unity and coordination.
US media outlets noted the broader geopolitical implications. The Washington Post labeled the gathering as an “anti-American axis of upheaval” including China, Russia, North Korea, and Iran. The New York Times highlighted Modi’s role in demonstrating India’s diplomatic independence and strategic partnerships beyond Washington, despite unresolved border tensions with China.
Addressing the summit, President Xi called for a multipolar global order and urged nations to reject Cold War-era thinking, coercion, and bullying. He emphasized protecting the UN-centered international framework and establishing a more balanced global governance system. The event coincided with Beijing’s parade commemorating 80 years since Japan’s World War II surrender, where Mr. Xi, Mr. Putin, and Mr. Kim stood together as Chinese military hardware was showcased to hundreds of thousands.
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump reacted on Truth Social, sending greetings to the leaders while quipping about their “conspiracy against the United States.” Analysts noted that the SCO, once a regional forum in Central Asia, has expanded in size and influence, increasingly being viewed as a counterweight to American global leadership.
Observers suggest that the photographs and summit interactions are more than ceremonial they signal closer coordination among major Asian powers. The display of unity has sparked debate in Washington over the implications for US foreign policy, trade, and strategic positioning in Asia.
This gathering, and the optics of mutual cooperation, highlight the intensifying geopolitical dynamics as Asia’s leading powers assert their presence on the world stage, challenging long-standing Western dominance.