Xi Jinping Leverages Summit and Military Display to Assert China’s Growing Global Influence

President Xi Jinping faces an exceptionally advantageous moment as he prepares to host the leaders of India and Russia at a high-profile security summit in China this weekend. One leader has felt sidelined by U.S. tariffs, while the other has emerged from diplomatic isolation through closer ties with China.

For Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, recent U.S. tariffs on Indian exports have prompted reconsideration of the extent of reliance on Washington. Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin’s warm reception in Alaska helped blunt Western efforts to isolate him following the Ukraine conflict.

At the heart of these developments is Xi Jinping, who is capitalizing on the United States’ estrangement from India and reinforcing his longstanding partnership with Russia.

The upcoming summit, which will bring together over 20 leaders primarily from Central Asia, will be followed by a military parade in Beijing highlighting China’s latest missile systems and warplanes. These events serve as more than ceremonial displays—they are part of Xi’s strategy to utilize historical narrative, diplomatic engagement, and military strength to redefine the global order traditionally dominated by the United States.

A foreign policy expert noted that the presence of numerous visiting heads of state underscores the effectiveness of Xi’s diplomatic approach, suggesting he currently feels surrounded by allies rather than encircled by adversaries.

Xi Jinping, Vladimir Putin, and Narendra Modi are scheduled to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit in Tianjin this Sunday and Monday, reinforcing their commitment to this Eurasian security alliance led by China and Russia.